Physical Activity Assessment in the Charcot Population

Abstract

Charcot neuroarthropathy is a degenerative disorder that significantly impairs a patient's functional capacity. It has been reported that a Charcot patient's quality of life is significantly impacted by the disease state. The aim of this study is to compare measured energy expenditure to a patient's perceived quality of life and physical ability. The study enrolled 43 patients by set inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients’ total energy expenditure was measured with doubly labeled water. The patients also completed 2 quality of life assessments: 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Long Form (IPAQ-LF). The measured energy expenditure was then compared to the patient's perceived functional capacity. Scores reaching statistical significance included general health (60 ± 21; p = .011), pain (62 ± 27; p = .025), emotional (61 ± 40; p < .017), physical limitation (45 ± 39; p < .0001), and physical function (50 ± 29; p < .001). SF-36 survey variables that did not reach statistical significance included mental (73 ± 26; p = .690), energy (55 ± 21; p = .205), and social (74 ± 26; p = .105). The IPAQ-LF and physical activity level (PAL) were compared. No identified variation was noted between the 2 test methods (p = .57). The patients’ PAL was measured at 1.4 ± 0.42, which is comparable to the general population. Data from this study identify the Charcot population as comparable to the general population. The inferences taken from this study indicate that this population suffers from poor health outlooks compared with the general population but may be overestimating the level of perceived disability.