Citation

Scott D, Blizzard L, Fell JC, Jones G. Arthritis Care Res. (2010) 2012; 64(1): 30-37.

Affiliation

Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia. d.scott@cqu.edu.au.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/acr.20545

PMID

21739619

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the potential role of self-reported joint pain, stiffness and dysfunction, and radiographic OA (ROA), in sarcopenia progression and falls risk in older adults. METHODS: 709 older adults (50% female; mean age = 62 ± 7 years) were examined at baseline and follow up (mean 2.6 ± 0.4 yrs). ROA was assessed using the Altman atlas, and pain at seven anatomical sites was self-reported. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry assessed leg lean mass, dynamometry assessed knee extension and whole leg strength, leg muscle quality (LMQ) was calculated as whole leg strength relative to leg lean mass, and the Physiological Profile Assessment assessed falls risk. RESULTS: In women only, baseline knee pain predicted a greater decline in knee extension strength, whole leg strength, and LMQ; and a greater increase in falls risk. Severe knee pain, stiffness and dysfunction predicted greater declines in knee extension strength and increases in falls risk (all P < 0.05). Hip pain also predicted a greater decline in knee extension strength (-1.51kg, 95% CI -2.92, -0.09). No associations were observed between pain and sarcopenia indicators in men. Somewhat surprisingly, higher baseline total knee ROA score predicted a greater increase in mean leg lean mass (0.05kg, 95% CI 0.02, 0.08) in both sexes. A path analysis demonstrated that knee ROA may contribute to declines in LMQ in women, through increases in pain, stiffness, and dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Knee and hip pain may directly contribute to the progression of sarcopenia and increased falls risk in older women.

Language: en