Comparing the radiographic grading scales, knee pain, signs, movement dysfunctions and the quality of life related to osteoarthritis in ex-elite track and field athletes and non-athletes

The purpose of this study was to compare the radiographic grading scales osteoarthritis, knee pain, signs and movement dysfunctions related to osteoarthritis in daily, sport and recreational activities and also the quality of life between ex-elite track and field athletes and the non-athletes.

Thirty ex-elite male track and field athletes were purposefully selected and divided into two equal groups (n=15). The clinical and radiological methods (Kellgren-Lawrence) and a global and domestic questionnaire of the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) were used to diagnose the disease.

Results showed a significant lower mean for movement dysfunctions in sport and recreational activities between athletes and non-athletes (P=0.02). Despite a 30% difference in the mean radiographic grading for osteoarthritis in athletes compared to the non-athletes, the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.90). Moreover, the lower mean values for knee pain, signs, movement dysfunctions in daily activities and the quality of life in athletes were 10% (P=0.27), 10% (P=0.09), 12% (P=0.13) and 4% (P=0.90), respectively compared to non-athletes, however, the difference was not statistically significant.

Participating in track and field competitions at the professional level may improve the movement function of ex-elite athletes.