Influence of Age on Self-Reported and Actual Physical Performance Measures in Primary Knee Osteoarthritis

The main objective of the study was to investigate is there any significant difference exist in functional status (self reported and actual) among various age groups in non-radio graphic knee Osteoarthritis individuals, then to see the correlation between age and 6 minute walking test (6 MWT), subscales of Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score( KOOS). The present study was a cross sectional survey involving 286 subjects (142 males and 144 females aged between 41 and 79 yrs) with symptomatic primary knee joint OA deemed eligible to participate. Subjects were divided m to four groups based on their age (40-49yrs,50-59yrs,60-69yrs and>70yrs).All subjects were asked to fill a questionnaire (KOOS) followed by administration of 6 MWT. Data was analyzed by SPSS (version 10.0) using one way ANOVA and Pearson's correlation to achieve our objective. The results showed there was highly significant difference among age groups in KOOS-sports/recreation and QOL subscales as well as 6 MWT (p<0.001). Correlation analysis showed mild but highly significant negative correlation existed between age and the following parameters: KOOS-sports, KOOS-QOL, 6 MWT (p<0.001). As the age advances self reported (especially sports and QOL subscales) as well as actual physical performance decrease in primary knee OA.