Relation of physical activity level with quality of life, sleep and depression in patients with knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of physical activity level on the quality of life, depression, sleep quality and functional capacity in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS Fifty-five patients over 65 years of age (age range: 65-84 years) with knee osteoarthritis were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups including Insufficient Activity Group (IAG) and Physically Active Group (PAG) according to their responses to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Radiological OA grading was performed using Kellgren-Lawrence classification system. Patients were evaluated using Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). RESULTS Mean age, body mass indices, mean pain scores and gender distribution were comparable between the two groups. WOMAC physical function scores were lower in the Physically Active Group (p=0.01). Mean PSQI scores did not differ statistically significantly between the two groups (p=0.242). Mean BDI score of PAG was significantly lower compared to that of IAG (p=0.015). Mean SF-36 physical function (p=0.044), physical role (p=0.008) and physical component (p=0.016) scores of the Physically Active Group were significantly higher vs Insufficient Activity Group. CONCLUSION Maintaining a high physical activity level reduces the possibility of depression and improves the quality of life and functional capacity in geriatric patients with knee osteoarthritis.