Knee Range of Motion Inversely Correlated with Body Mass Index and Blood Glucose in Sedentary Adults

摘要

Background: Restricted knee range of motion (ROM) is an important clinical manifestation in rheumatological and orthopedic conditions, including arthritis and obesity. This study explores the relationships between Body Mass Index (BMI), blood glucose levels, and knee ROM in sedentary adults versus those who are physically active. Design: A total of 70 adults, 27 male and 43 female, between the ages of 22 and 46 participated. Participants were assigned into either active or sedentary subgroups based on self-reported activity levels (hours active/week). Knee ROM was measured by goniometry, weight, height, and blood glucose were measured, and BMI was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson correlation coefficient and unpaired Student’s t-test. Results: The degree of knee flexion showed a significant moderate negative correlation with BMI in both the active (r = -0.58, p < 0.001) and the sedentary (r = -0.64, p < 0.001) groups. The decrease in knee flexion was more pronounced in the sedentary subgroup with a decrease of 0.52 degrees for each kg/m~(2) increase, as compared to a decrease of 0.32 degrees for every kg/m~(2) increase in the active group. Knee flexion also showed a trend for a minimally negative correlation with blood glucose in the sedentary (r=-0.15), but not in the active subgroup (r = 0.003). Knee extension in the sedentary subgroup also showed a trend for a minimally negative correlation with BMI (r = -0.05) and blood glucose (r = -0.12). However, the trend was reversed in the active subgroup in which knee extension showed minimal to weak positive correlations with BMI (r = 0.17) and blood glucose (r = 0.03). Conclusion: Knee ROM was restricted in participants with increased BMI and blood glucose. The effects were more pronounced in knee flexion as compared to knee extension, and in sedentary as compared to active adults. Findings are consistent with a role for metabolic factors in joint degeneration.