Is there a relationship between hand grip strength andknee osteoarthritis in terms of radiological andfunctional findings in female patients?

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the presence of the relationship between hand grip strength (HGS) and radiological and functionalsigns of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Patients and methods: Between March 2019 and January 2020, a total of 64 female patients (mean age: 63.4±8.8 years; range, 50 to 80 years)with bilateral chronic knee pain who were diagnosed with KOA using radiological and clinical findings according to the 2019 American College ofRheumatology guidelines were included in the study. Patient demographics, body mass index (BMI) values, and hand dominance were recorded. TheWestern Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) were used for the assessment ofKOA functionality. The Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grading system was used for the radiological assessment of KOA. Electronic dynamometer was usedfor HGS measurement and values were normalized according to BMI results. Results: In the assessment of relationship between HGS and functionality of KOA, a negative, moderate correlation was found between the WOMACand HGS-Dominant (D) (r=0.312, p