Effect of quadriceps weakness on pain and impairment in osteoarthritic patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20085311Keywords:
Osteoarthritis, Quadriceps muscle strength, Knee pain, Disability, Anxiety, DepressionAbstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis and is associated with progressive physical impairment and psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. To compare quadriceps muscle strength, knee pain, disability, and psychological status between individuals with knee osteoarthritis and healthy controls, and to examine the relationships among these variables. A comparative cross-sectional observational study was conducted across multiple healthcare facilities. Quadriceps muscle strength was assessed using Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), knee pain using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), disability using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and psychological status using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Independent-sample t-tests compared outcomes between OA and control groups, while Pearson correlation coefficients examined associations among variables (α < 0.05). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between groups for knee pain, quadriceps strength, disability, anxiety, and depression. Knee pain showed significant positive correlations with disability, anxiety, and depression. A significant association was also observed between knee pain and quadriceps muscle strength, indicating altered neuromuscular function in individuals with OA. Knee osteoarthritis is associated with reduced quadriceps strength, increased pain, disability, and psychological distress. These findings highlight the need for integrated rehabilitation strategies addressing both physical and psychological components of OA.
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