The important predictors of cycling use in three groups of knee patients

Abstract

Purpose. Cycling is a popular international professional and recreational sport performed by both sexes and all age groups. Regular exercise is important for the elderly population and it has been shown that cycling is of great value for the osteoarthritis and knee arthroplasty patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictors of cycle use in three groups of knee patients.

Methods. We included 298 patients, 93 patients had osteoarthritis of the knee, 118 received a total knee arthroplasty and 87 had a meniscal and/or ligamentous injury. Patients were evaluated at the outpatient clinic and asked to complete the SF36-, Oxford 12-item-, IKDC-questionnaire and a specific cycling questionnaire.

Results. As the patient gets older, the chances of being able to cycle decrease by 5%% every year. The chance to be able to cycle is 1.98 times higher for a male patient compared to a female patient. The chances of experiencing pain while cycling increases by 8%% per unit rise of BMI.

Conclusion. Age and sex, and not the clinical diagnosis, are the predictors of the ability of a patient to cycle. An increased BMI is the only risk factor found for experiencing pain while cycling.

Keywords:

• Knee
• cycling
• pain
• osteoarthritis
• meniscal injury
• ligamentous injury
• total knee arthroplasty

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.