Original researchPhysical activity patterns and function 3 months after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy

ObjectivesTo compare physical activity levels, subject-reported function, and knee strength in 21 arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) patients (age 45.7 (6.06) years, BMI 27.3 (5.96) female 60%) 3 months post-surgery with 21 healthy controls (age 43.6 (5.71) years, BMI 24.5(4.2) female 60%) matched at the cohort level for age, gender and BMI.DesignCase control study.MethodsPhysical activity intensity, number of steps, and minutes spent in activity were objectively quantified using an accelerometer-based activity monitor worn for 7 days. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and concentric quadriceps strength were used to evaluate function post-surgery. Differences in activity levels and functional outcomes between the APM and control participants were assessed using t-tests, while multiple linear regression was used to quantify the best predictors of physical activity.ResultsAPM patients engaged in a similar duration of activity to controls (469.0 (128.39) min vs. 497.1 (109.9) min), and take a similar number of steps per day (9227 (2977) vs. 10,383 (3501), but performed their activity at lower levels of intensity than controls. Time spent in moderate (r2 = 0.19) and hard (r2 = 0.145) intensity physical activity was best predicted by the Symptoms sub-scale of the KOOS for both controls and APM patients.ConclusionsAPM patients participate in similar levels of activity at lower intensities, but with reduced activity at higher intensities which is related to the presence of symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.