Factors that Affect the Quality of Life (QOL) of Patients with Early Knee Osteoarthritis.

Abstract

[Objective] To clarify factors that affect the quality of life (QOL) of patients with early knee osteoarthritis. [Subjects] Forty-five female patients with early knee osteoarthritis. [Methods] We analyzed the association of the Japan Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM) scores with the background factors and various parameters of physical function by using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Knee flexion range of motion (ROM) and one-leg standing time with eyes open were found to be significantly correlated with the JKOM scores in a simple correlation analysis. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed with knee flexion ROM and one-leg standing time as independent variables and JKOM score as a dependent variable. [Results] Knee flexion range of motion was identified as a factor that affects the total JKOM score. [Conclusion] Physical therapy aimed at maintaining and improving knee flexion range of motion, focusing on the treatment of the knee flexion range of motion, can prevent the progression of early knee osteoarthritis and improve the QOL of patients.