Authors (including presenting author) :
Leung SH(1), Tsang NC(3), Wan SY(1), Yeung SF(1), Ng CK(1), Mak YK(2), Wong MK(2), Yam SK(2), Kwong S(3), Lam KM(4), Wu MY(4)
Affiliation :
(1)Physiotherapy Department,PYNEH, (2)Department of O&T,PYNEH, (3)Physiotherapy Department,HKEC, (4)Department of SOP,PYNEH
Introduction :
The SAFE (Screening Assessment Fast-track Education) program, established since 2009, is a doctor-led collaborative joint program for patients with knee osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal spine conditions. Patients referred to the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology were triaged for early physiotherapy intervention, ensuring timely and appropriate treatment within routine care. In the knee osteoarthritis group, body composition including Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM), Body Fat (BF), and Waist-To-Hip Ratio (WHR), along with pain and functional assessments, including Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), were evaluated. Previous studies suggest a relationship between body composition, knee pain, and physical function, but the role of gender in these relationships remains underexplored. This study aims to address this research gap and provide foundational insights for gender-specific physiotherapy interventions.
Objectives :
(1) To examine the correlation between body composition, knee pain, and function across different genders.
(2) To inform future gender-specific physiotherapy programs for knee osteoarthritis
Methodology :
We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 100 patients (mean age 70.5 years; 66% females) referred to the SAFE program for knee osteoarthritis. SMM, BF, and WHR were assessed using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, with Body SMM% and Body BF% calculated based on weight. Pain was evaluated using NPRS and pain subscale of the KOOS (KOOS-P). Function was assessed using physical function subscale (KOOS-PS) and walking tolerance.
Result & Outcome :
In males, Body SMM% was negatively correlated with NPRS (P=0.035) and positively correlated with KOOS-PS (P=0.003) and walking tolerance (P=0.003).
In females, WHR was positively correlated with NPRS (P=0.005) and negatively correlated with KOOS-P (P=0.019), KOOS-PS (P=0.028), and walking tolerance (P=0.050).
These findings indicate that SMM correlates with lower pain and improved functional performance in males, while WHR is linked to higher pain and reduced physical ability in females. Implementing gender-specific management may optimize physical condition and pain control, reducing waiting time of triage routine.
Future research should focus on the effectiveness of gender-specific strategies in alleviating knee osteoarthritis, specifically strength training for males and weight management for females, to provide tailored treatment options for patients.
