Cardiovascular and Functional Capacity of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Patients suffer from pain and disability and have associated reductions in muscle and cardiopulmonary function. Patients with knee and hip OA have a 15-20% decrease in aerobic capacity. The reduced aerobic capacity of patients with lower limb osteoarthritis affects their independence in performing everyday activities. More research is needed to determine the optimal types and dosing of aerobic conditioning with osteoarthritis. Persons at risk for osteoarthritis have one or more of the following risk factors: age over 50, female gender, a first-order family member with OA, previous history of a major knee or hip injury or surgery, obesity, history of joint trauma, or a job requiring bending and carrying. Hip osteoarthritis can also be secondary to developmental defects. Disability not only reduces the quality of life for individuals but also jeopardizes their ability to live independently; it increases the risk of hospitalization, institutionalization, and mortality and is a major driver of healthcare costs due to arthritis.