Functional Capacity in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a disabling inflammatory disease that makes walking and activities of daily living difficult. This condition can reduce functional capacity and increase the risk for surgery. Objective: To know the functional capacity of patients with KOA evaluated by the six-minute walk test (6MWT). Method: This cross-sectional study evaluated age, gender, weight, BMI, pain (VAS 90-100), physical disability (WOMAC 0-96), degree of joint damage by radiographic imaging, and 6MWT. Results: A total of 176 patients referred by Orthopedics were evaluated, with the inclusion of 164 participants. The mean age was 61.89 ± 10.62 years, 81% women, 67% with cardiovascular disease, hypertension and/or diabetes, 81% obese, with moderate pain (VAS 47.74 ± 29.27) and according to WOMAC, most had severe or very severe disability. The distance covered in the 6MWT was 354.03 ± 102.03m, 67% of the predicted distance. The maximum heart rate achieved was 107.27 ± 17.71 bpm, which characterizes 68% of the predicted by age. Only 12% of the sample showed a marked drop in oxygenation in the 6MWT and 40% had a recovery heart rate in the 1st minute below 15 bpm. Conclusion: Patients with KOA, who were evaluated by the 6MWT, have low functional capacity and physical deconditioning. Level of Clinical Evidence III, Case Control Study.