Original Articles
7 August 2025
Early Access
https://doi.org/10.4081/reumatismo.2025.1736

Sedentary behavior and physical activity preferences in patients with knee osteoarthritis: insights from a cross-sectional study

Publisher's note
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Knee osteoarthritis, sedentary behavior, physical activity, preferences, educational interventions
105
Views
32
Downloads

Authors

Samya Ez-zaoui
samya.ezzaoui@gmail.com
Department of Rheumatology B, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Sina Hospital Center, Ayachi Hospital, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco.
Hanan Rkain
Department of Rheumatology B, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Sina Hospital Center, Ayachi Hospital, Mohammed V University, Rabat; Exercise Physiology and Autonomous Nervous System Team, Physiology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco.
Sara Bahloul
Faculty of Medicine, Mohamed VI University of Science and Health, Casablanca, Morocco.
Fatine Kronbi
Department of Rheumatology B, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Sina Hospital Center, Ayachi Hospital, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco.
Rahma Honsali
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7441-3279
Department of Rheumatology B, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Sina Hospital Center, Ayachi Hospital, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco.
Sara Farih
Department of Rheumatology B, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Sina Hospital Center, Ayachi Hospital, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco.
Imane Bensghir
Department of Rheumatology B, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Sina Hospital Center, Ayachi Hospital, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco.
Nada Benzine
Department of Rheumatology B, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Sina Hospital Center, Ayachi Hospital, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco.
Hind L’heri
Department of Rheumatology B, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Sina Hospital Center, Ayachi Hospital, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco.
Loubna Lammaghi
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9721-3255
Division of Non-Communicable Diseases, Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, Ministry of health and social protection, Rabat, Morocco.
Latifa Tahiri
Department of Rheumatology B, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Sina Hospital Center, Ayachi Hospital, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco.
Najia Hajjaj-Hassouni
Faculty of Medicine, Research Center of Health Sciences, International University of Rabat, Rabat, Morocco.
Fadoua Allali
Department of Rheumatology B, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Sina Hospital Center, Ayachi Hospital, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco.

Objective. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition associated with significant disability, particularly affecting mobility and daily activities. Sedentary behavior is common among individuals with knee OA, influenced by factors such as pain, functional limitations, and sociocultural aspects. Despite the benefits of physical activity in managing knee OA, many patients remain sedentary. Understanding factors contributing to sedentary behavior and patients' preferences regarding physical activity is crucial for effective intervention. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the level of physical activity among Moroccan patients with knee OA, identify factors associated with sedentary behavior, and explore patients' expectations and preferences regarding physical activity.

Methods. We conducted a survey involving 130 patients with knee OA. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, disease profile, physical activity levels using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form, barriers to physical activity, and preferences for educational interventions was collected.

Results. The mean age of the patients was 59.9±10 years, with females comprising 84.6% of the sample. Sedentary behavior was prevalent in 69.2% of patients and was associated with factors such as age (p=0.005), lack of prior physical activity (p=0.01), knee pain (p=0.02), functional disability (p=0.01), socioeconomic factors (p=0.01), and non-recommendation of physical activity by rheumatologists (p=0.0001). Patients expressed preferences for outdoor physical activity (39.2%), gym-based exercise (30.8%), audiovisual support (80%), and participation in physical activity workshops (66.7%).

Conclusions. Sedentary behavior is prevalent among knee OA patients. It is important to overcome this unhealthy lifestyle and to encourage the practice of physical activity in this population by combating barriers reported by patients.

Altmetrics

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Citations

Crossref
Scopus
Google Scholar
Europe PMC
Fouquet B, Jaume-Guichard P. Activités physiques, sédentarité, comorbidités et arthrose. Rev Rhum Monogr 2021; 88: 194-202. [Article in French] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.monrhu.2021.03.005
Osthoff AKR, Niedermann K, Braun J, Adams J, Brodin N, Dagfinrud H, et al. 2018 EULAR recommendations for physical activity in people with inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2018; 77: 1251-60. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-213585
Hackney AJ, Klinedinst NJ, Resnick B, Renn C, Fiskum G. A review and synthesis of correlates of fatigue in osteoarthritis. Int J Orthop Trauma Nurs 2019; 33: 4-10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijotn.2019.01.003
Dekker J, van Dijk GM, Veenhof C. Risk factors for functional decline in osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2009; 21: 520-4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/BOR.0b013e32832e6eaa
Brandt KD. Response of joint structures to inactivity and to reloading after immobilization. Arthritis Rheum 2003; 49: 267-71. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/art.11009
Gay C, Guiguet-Auclair C, Mourgues C, Gerbaud L, Coudeyre E. Physical activity level and association with behavioral factors in knee osteoarthritis. Ann Phys Rehabil Med 2019; 62: 14-20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rehab.2018.09.005
Gay C, Chabaud A, Guilley E, Coudeyre E. Educating patients about the benefits of physical activity and exercise for their hip and knee osteoarthritis. Systematic literature review. Ann Phys Rehabil Med 2016; 59: 174-83. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rehab.2016.02.005
Lee PH, Macfarlane DJ, Lam T, Stewart SM. Validity of the international physical activity questionnaire short form (IPAQ-SF): a systematic review. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2011; 8: 115. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-8-115
WHO, DELM. Report of the national survey on common risk factors of non-communicable diseases, STEPS. 2017-2018. Available from: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/ncds/ncd-surveillance/data-reporting/morocco/steps/steps-report-2017-2018-morocco-final.pdf?sfvrsn=d064ef54_3. Accessed on: 24/07/2020. [Report in French].
Petursdottir U, Arnadottir SA, Halldorsdottir S. Facilitators and barriers to exercising among people with osteoarthritis: a phenomenological study. Phys Ther 2010; 90: 1014-25. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20090217
Wilcox S, Der Ananian C, Abbott J, Vrazel J, Ramsey C, Sharpe PA, Brady T. Perceived exercise barriers, enablers, and benefits among exercising and nonexercising adults with arthritis: results from a qualitative study. Arthritis Rheum 2006; 55: 616-27. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/art.22098
Moseng T, Vliet Vlieland TPM, Battista S, Beckwée D, Boyadzhieva V, Conaghan PG, et al. EULAR recommendations for the non-pharmacological core management of hip and knee osteoarthritis: 2023 update. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83: 730-40. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/ard-2023-225041
Bull FC, Al-Ansari SS, Biddle S, Borodulin K, Buman MP, Cardon G, et al. World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Br J Sports Med 2020; 54: 1451-62. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-102955
Webber SC, Ripat JD, Pachu NS, Strachan SM. Exploring physical activity and sedentary behaviour: perspectives of individuals with osteoarthritis and knee arthroplasty. Disabil Rehabil 2020; 42: 1971-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2018.1543463
Kanavaki AM, Rushton A, Efstathiou N, Alrushud A, Klocke R, Abhishek A, Duda JL. Barriers and facilitators of physical activity in knee and hip osteoarthritis: a systematic review of qualitative evidence. BMJ Open 2017; 7: e017042. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017042
Stone RC, Baker J. Painful choices: a qualitative exploration of facilitators and barriers to active lifestyles among adults with osteoarthritis. J Appl Gerontol 2017; 36: 1091-116. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0733464815602114
Hendry M, Williams NH, Markland D, Wilkinson C, Maddison P. Why should we exercise when our knees hurt? A qualitative study of primary care patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Fam Pract 2006; 23: 558-67. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/fampra/cml022
Thorstensson CA, Roos EM, Petersson IF, Arvidsson B. How do middle-aged patients conceive exercise as a form of treatment for knee osteoarthritis? Disabil Rehabil 2006; 28: 51-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09638280500163927
Cochrane T, Davey RC, Matthes Edwards SM. Randomised controlled trial of the cost-effectiveness of water-based therapy for lower limb osteoarthritis. Health Technol Assess 2005; 9: iii-iv, ix-xi, 1-114. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3310/hta9310
Mazières B, Thevenon A, Coudeyre E, Chevalier X, Revel M, Rannou F. Adherence to, and results of, physical therapy programs in patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis. Development of French clinical practice guidelines. Joint Bone Spine 2008; 75: 589-96. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbspin.2008.02.016
Davergne T, Tekaya R, Deprouw C, Sellam J, Tournadre A, Mitrovic S, et al. To apply the recent EULAR recommendations, more knowledge on adherence patterns to medication and to physical activity is needed. Joint Bone Spine 2021; 88: 105137. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbspin.2021.105137

Ethics Approval

The survey received approval from the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco (approval no. 94/24) and was conducted per the ethical standards of the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments or comparable standards.

How to Cite



Sedentary behavior and physical activity preferences in patients with knee osteoarthritis: insights from a cross-sectional study. (2025). Reumatismo. https://doi.org/10.4081/reumatismo.2025.1736
Copyright (c) 2025 the Author(s) Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

PAGEPress has chosen to apply the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0) to all manuscripts to be published.