Correlation Between Pain Intensity and Functional Limitation in Early Knee Osteoarthritis - A Pilot Study
TL;DR
Pain intensity strongly predicts functional decline in EKOA, highlighting the need for early pain management with strengthening interventions to preserve function and delay progression and showing that higher pain intensity is linked with greater functional limitation.
Abstract
Background and purpose: Early knee Osteoarthritis (EKOA), despite minor changes on X-ray, often presents with considerable pain and limitations of function. Pain is considered the primary factor influencing activity restriction, yet the link between severity of pain and measurable functional performance in EKOA remains underexplored. Method: This pilot study recruited 15 participants (aged 41–55 years) with radiographically confirmed EKOA (Kellgren–Lawrence grade 1 - 2). The severity of pain was measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and disability using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Objective functional ability was examined using the Timed Up and Go (TUG), 30 second Chair Stand Test (CSTS), and Stair Climb Test (SC). Pearson correlation was used to examine pain-function association. Result: Pain intensity showed a strong positive correlation with TUG (r = 0.903, p = 0.000) and SC (r = 0.791, p =0 .000), and a strong negative correlation with CSTS repetitions (r = –0.925, p =0 .000), confirming that higher pain intensity is linked with greater functional limitation. Conclusion: This pilot study shows pain intensity strongly predicts functional decline in EKOA. It highlights reduced strength and mobility, underscoring the need for early pain management with strengthening interventions to preserve function and delay progression.