Change in Pain During Physical Activity following Total Knee Arthroplasty: Associations With Improved Physical Function and Decreased Situational Pain Catastrophizing

Abstract Background and Objectives Knee osteoarthritis is one of the primary causes chronic pain among older adults because aging population, number total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) performed exponentially increasing. While reduction a goal TKA, movement-evoked rarely assessed pre- post-TKA. We characterized distributions change in pain, function, situational catastrophizing patients from pre-surgery to 3 months post-surgery explored associations these pre-post changes. Research Design Methods This prospective study longitudinally with (N=92) using in-person performance-based tests (6-minute walk test [6MWT], stair-climb [SCT]) prior 3-months after TKA. Patients also completed Western Ontario McMaster Universities Scales (WOMAC) function subscales, Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), 3- 6-months post-surgery. Results Movement-evoked on performance significantly improved Improved SCT was associated reduced catastrophizing. Similarly, during SCT. However, 6MWT not or catastrophizing; yet 6MWT. Reduced both consistently WOMAC whereas inconsistently pain. Notably, greater at post-TKA worse 6 months, better but related months. Discussion Implications Findings highlight importance situation-specific in-vivo assessments physical activity.