Effect of Life Style Modification on Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis Attending NRC Rheumatology Clinic.

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative joint disease, affecting approximately 302 million people globally.

Aim: To promote health and improve quality of life of knee osteoarthritis patients attending National Research Centre Rheumatology Clinic.

Subjects and methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted at the Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic, National Research Centre, Cairo, to promote health and improve quality of life in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients. Participants were consecutively recruited, and data collection occurred over two months, from June to August 2022.

Results: Baseline analysis revealed that females had a significant worse total WOMAC score with median 59.0(51.0-69.0) and its domains (pain: 13.0(11.0-15.0) and stiffness: 5.0(4.0-6.0), p<0.001. Additionally, participants with less than secondary education levels had significantly higher (worse) WOMAC total scores and its domains including pain, stiffness and physical function (p<0.001). Comparing WOMAC scores and domains between baseline and post-intervention, a highly significant decrease was observed (p<0.001).

Conclusion: KOA affects those aged 51-60, with women showing more severe symptoms. Home-based exercise and education effectively improve symptoms, knee function, and QoL.

Trial registration: NCT06589960