Background
Osteoarthritis is a debilitating condition affecting the joints that is associated with a high disease burden, and remains a major global health concern worldwide. Since patients with osteoarthritis often experience joint pain, especially after activity, many adopt a highly sedentary lifestyle. Although it is well recognized that increased engagement in physical activity is associated with reduced pain and improved joint function, the effects of sedentary time on joint pain severity, however, have received little attention. One can meet the World Health Organization’s guidelines for physical activity, yet still, be sedentary. Aim
Determine the association between sedentary behaviour and knee pain, and whether this relationship is influenced by physical activity. Hypothesis Greater sedentary time will be associated with the greater prevalence and persistence of chronic knee pain, and these associations will be negated by more time in physical activity. Objectives of the project and what the work is expected to establish
The project is expected to establish the impact of sedentary behaviour on knee pain, and if the impact is influenced by physical activity levels. The findings obtained can potentially be used to inform the co-development of public interventions aimed at reducing sedentary time. Current recommendations for the management of patients with chronic joint pain are only focused on increasing engagement in physical activity, but do not address patients’ psychological barriers to reducing sedentary behaviour and/or increasing physical activity. Since pain after exercise is a common symptom experienced, those with chronic joint pain may associate exercise with pain. Targeted sedentary behaviour programmes may therefore be a feasible first-line intervention in conjunction with increasing physical activity.
