Physical performance measurement in persons with patellofemoral osteoarthritis: A pilot study

Abstract

Background:

Patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) is associated with pain and decreased self-reported function. The impact of PFOA on actual physical performance is currently unknown.

Objective:

To investigate the impact of PFOA on physical performance and pain.

Methods:

Eight participants aged 40–65 years with bilateral, symptomatic, radiographic PFOA and 7 age- and gender-matched pain-free control participants without radiographic PFOA were studied. Physical performance was measured with the Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) and 50-foot Fast-Paced-Walk (FPW) tests. Dependent variables included time to complete the TUG and FPW; pretest-posttest change in pain intensity (TUG and FPW); and self-reports of perceived knee pain, stiffness, and physical function. Data were analyzed with nonparametric statistics.

Results:

The PFOA group TUG time was longer than the control group ( $\mathit{p}=0.01$ ). No difference between groups was found for FPW time. Pretest-posttest pain increased for the TUG and FPW in PFOA participants ( $\mathit{p}\mathrm{<}0.05$ ). The PFOA group reported greater knee pain, stiffness, and less physical function than controls (previous 48 hours) ( $\mathit{p}\mathrm{<}0.01$ ).

Conclusions:

Symptomatic, radiographic PFOA is associated with increased pain during the TUG and FPW tests and longer time required to complete the TUG. The TUG may be a more sensitive test of physical performance in PFOA.