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Muscle function, quality and relative mass are associated with knee pain trajectory over 10.7 years

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-21, 00:04 authored by Feng PanFeng Pan, Jing TianJing Tian, David ScottDavid Scott, Cicuttini, F, Graeme JonesGraeme Jones
Periarticular muscle plays an important role in the pathogenesis of musculoskeletal pain. We recently reported that pain population consists of distinct subgroups of which the causes and mechanisms may differ. This study aimed to examine the association of lean mass, muscle strength and quality with 10.7-year pain trajectory. 947 participants from a population-based cohort study were analysed. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess lean and fat mass. Leg, knee extensor strength and lower-limb muscle quality were measured/calculated. Knee pain was assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain questionnaire. Radiographic knee osteoarthritis (ROA) was assessed by X-ray. Three distinct pain trajectories were identified: “Minimal pain” (53%), “Mild pain” (34%) and “Moderate pain” (13%). Higher total and lower-limb lean mass were associated with an increased risk of “Mild pain” and “Moderate pain” trajectories relative to the “Minimal pain” trajectory group, but these associations became non-significant after further adjustment for fat mass. Total lean mass percentage was associated with a lower risk of “Mild pain” [relative risk ratio (RRR): 0.95, 95%CI 0.92-0.98] and “Moderate pain” trajectory (RRR:0.92, 95%CI 0.87-0.96). Greater leg and knee extensor strength and muscle quality were associated with “Mild pain” and “Moderate pain” trajectories (RRR:0.52-0.65,all P<0.05). Similar results were found in those with ROA. Higher lower-limb muscle strength and quality, and relative lean mass, are associated with a reduced risk of severe knee pain trajectories, suggesting that improving muscle function and composition may protect against persistent unfavourable knee pain courses.

Funding

National Health & Medical Research Council

History

Publication title

Pain

Volume

163

Pagination

518-525

ISSN

0304-3959

Department/School

Menzies Institute for Medical Research

Publisher

Elsevier Science Bv

Place of publication

Po Box 211, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1000 Ae

Rights statement

Copyright 2021 by the International Association for the Study of Pain.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Human pain management; Treatment of human diseases and conditions; Determinants of health

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