Research On Osteoarthritis/osteoporosis Against Disability Research Articles

Association between acetabular dysplasia and sagittal spino-pelvic alignment in a population-based cohort in Japan

The relationship between acetabular dysplasia and spino-pelvic alignment remains unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the association between acetabular dysplasia and spino-pelvic alignment, based on a large-scale population-based cohort in Japan. From the third survey of the Research on Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD) study, 1,481 participants (491 men and 990 women; mean age, 65.3 years) were analyzed. Center-edge (CE) angle and spino-pelvic parameters (lumbar lordosis, LL; sacral slope, SS; pelvic tilt, PT; pelvic incidence, PI) were measured radiographically. Acetabular dysplasia was defined as a CE angle < 20°, and associations between acetabular dysplasia and spino-pelvic parameters were assessed. The group with acetabular dysplasia had significantly higher age, higher percentage of female, higher SS and higher PI than the group without acetabular dysplasia in a univariate analysis. On the other hand, acetabular dysplasia was not significantly associated with spino-pelvic parameters in a multiple logistic regression analysis that include age, sex, SS and PI as explanatory variables; however, PI demonstrated a positive odds ratio (odds ratio, 1.02; 95% CI 1.00–1.04). In conclusion, acetabular dysplasia was not significantly associated with spino-pelvic parameters, but higher PI may be an associated factor for acetabular dysplasia.

Epidemiology of locomotive syndrome using updated clinical decision limits: 6-year follow-ups of the ROAD study.

Locomotive syndrome (LOCOMO) is defined by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) as a condition requiring nursing care due to a decline in mobility resulting from musculoskeletal disorders. In 2020, the JOA announced the new definition of LOCOMO stage 3 and revision of clinical decision limits in stages of LOCOMO. However, there are few reports on the epidemiological indices of LOCOMO. This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the prevalence, incidence, and association of poor prognosis with LOCOMO stages. The third survey of the Research on Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD) study was conducted during 2012-2013, examining a population-based cohort of 1575 participants (513 men and 1062 women, mean age 65.6years). Three LOCOMO risk tests were performed, and patients were classified into LOCOMO stages 0, 1, 2, and 3. They were followed up for 6years, and identical examination of LOCOMO was performed in 3- and 6-year follow-ups. Data on patients' prognoses, including disability and death, were collected. The prevalence of LOCOMO stages 1, 2, and 3 was 41.3, 14.9, and 11.6%, respectively. The incidence of LOCOMO stages 1, 2, and 3 were 83.7, 23.0, and 18.6 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Compared with LOCOMO stage 0, logistic regression analysis showed that LOCOMO stage 3 significantly increased the risk of disability and mortality. In addition, each value of LOCOMO risk tests for LOCOMO stage 3 increased the risk of poor prognosis. LOCOMO stage 3 is a sensitive indicator of future disability and mortality.

Dietary Intake of Vitamin E and Fats Associated with Sarcopenia in Community-Dwelling Older Japanese People: A Cross-Sectional Study from the Fifth Survey of the ROAD Study.

Dietary habits are of considerable interest as a modifiable factor for the maintenance of muscle health, especially sarcopenia. The present study aimed to investigate the association between dietary intake and sarcopenia prevalence in community-dwelling Japanese subjects. This cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the fifth survey of the Research on Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis against Disability (ROAD) study, and 1345 participants (437 men and 908 women) aged ≥60 years were included in the analysis. Sarcopenia was determined by the definition of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia established in 2014, and dietary intake was assessed with the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Overall, 77 subjects (5.7%) were identified as having sarcopenia, 5.0% of men and 6.1% of women. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratios of sarcopenia for the dietary intake of vitamin E (α-tocopherol, 0.14 (CI 0.04–0.49), β-tocopherol (0.24, CI 0.07–0.78), γ-tocopherol (0.28, CI 0.09–0.87), and fats (fat 0.27, CI 0.08–0.96; monounsaturated fatty acids, 0.22, CI 0.07–0.72, polyunsaturated fatty acids, 0.28, CI 0.09–0.89) at the highest quantile were significantly lower compared with those at the lowest quantile. Therefore, higher dietary intakes of vitamin E and fats would be associated with a lower prevalence of sarcopenia.

A Metabolomic Profile Predictive of New Osteoporosis or Sarcopenia Development.

The increasing number of patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia is a global concern among countries with progressively aging societies. The high medical costs of treating those patients suggest that prevention rather than treatment is preferable. We enrolled 729 subjects who attended both the second and third surveys of the Research on Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD) study. Blood samples were collected from subjects at the second survey, and then a comprehensive metabolomic analysis was performed. It was found that 35 had newly developed osteoporosis at the third survey performed four years later, and 39 were newly diagnosed with sarcopenia at the third survey. In the second survey, we found that serum Gly levels were significantly higher even after adjustment for age, sex, and BMI in subjects with newly developed osteoporosis relative to those who remained osteoporosis-negative during the four-year follow-up. We also show that serum taurine levels were significantly lower at the second survey, even after adjustment for age, sex, and BMI in subjects with newly developed sarcopenia during the four-year follow-up compared with those not diagnosed with sarcopenia at the second or third surveys. Though our sample size and odds ratios were small, increased Gly and decreased taurine levels were found to be predictive of new development of osteoporosis and sarcopenia, respectively, within four years.

Incidence rate and risk factors for radiographic hip osteoarthritis in Japanese men and women: a 10-year follow-up of the ROAD study

To investigate the incidence and progression rate of radiographic hip osteoarthritis (OA) and its risk factors in Japanese men and women using a large-scale population of a nationwide cohort study, Research on Osteoarthritis/osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD). From the baseline survey of the ROAD study, 2,975 participants (1,043 men and 1,932 women) aged 23-94 years (mean, 70.2 years) living in urban, mountainous, and coastal communities were followed up with hip radiography at 3, 7, and 10 years (mean follow-up, 7.1 years). Radiographs were scored using the Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) grading system, and radiographic hip OA was defined as K/L≥2. The incidence and progression rate of hip OA were examined. Acetabular dysplasia was defined as a central-edge angle <20°. Cox's proportional hazard model was used to assess risk factors for incident and progressive radiographic hip OA. The incidence rate of radiographic hip OA was 5.6/1,000 person-years and 8.4/1,000 person-years in men and women, respectively. The progression rate of hip OA was 2.2/1,000 person-years and 6.0/1,000 person-years in men and women, respectively. The significant risk factors for incident hip OA were age, obesity, and acetabular dysplasia at baseline (hazard risk [HR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.08; 1.78, 1.10-2.75; 2.06, 1.30-3.17, respectively). The significant risk factors for progressive hip OA were baseline hip pain and acetabular dysplasia (HR 5.68, 95%CI 1.07-22.61; 14.78, 3.66-56.06, respectively). Continued longitudinal surveys of the ROAD study will contribute to knowledge about and potential prevention of incident and progressive hip OA.

Prevalence and co-existence of locomotive syndrome, sarcopenia, and frailty: the third survey of Research on Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD) study.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of locomotive syndrome, sarcopenia, and frailty and clarify their co-existence in a population-based cohort. The third survey of Research on Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD) study was conducted between 2012 and 2013, examining 963 subjects (aged ≥ 60years; 321 men, 642 women). Locomotive syndrome, sarcopenia, and frailty were defined using three tests proposed by Japanese Orthopaedic Association, Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria, and Fried's definition, respectively. Prevalence of locomotive syndrome stages 1 and 2 were 81.0% (men, 80.4%; women, 81.3%) and 34.1% (men, 30.5%; women, 35.8%), respectively, and those of sarcopenia and frailty were 8.7% (men, 9.7%; women, 8.3%) and 4.5% (men, 2.8%; women, 5.3%), respectively. Locomotive syndrome stage 1, sarcopenia, and frailty co-existed in 2.1%; 6.5% had locomotive syndrome stage 1 and sarcopenia, 2.4% had locomotive syndrome stage 1 and frailty, while none had sarcopenia and frailty. Locomotive syndrome stage 1 presented alone in 70.0%, sarcopenia in 0.1%, and no frailty. The remaining 18.9% had none of these conditions. Co-existence of locomotive syndrome stage 2, sarcopenia, and frailty was observed in 2.0%; 5.0% had locomotive syndrome stage 2 and sarcopenia, 2.2% had locomotive syndrome stage 2 and frailty, and 0.1% had sarcopenia and frailty. Locomotive syndrome stage 2, sarcopenia, and frailty alone, presented in 24.9%, 1.7%, and 0.2%, respectively. The remaining 64.0% had none of these conditions. Most subjects with sarcopenia and/or frailty also had locomotive syndrome. Preventing locomotive syndrome may help prevent frailty and sarcopenia and subsequent disability.

Do sarcopenia and/or osteoporosis increase the risk of frailty? A 4-year observation of the second and third ROAD study surveys.

This study aims to examine the contribution of sarcopenia and osteoporosis to the occurrence of frailty using 4-year follow-up information of a population-based cohort study. The second survey of the Research on Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD) study was conducted between 2008 and 2010; 1083 subjects (aged ≥ 60years, 372 men, 711 women) completed all examinations on frailty, sarcopenia, and osteoporosis, which were defined using Fried's definition, Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria, and WHO criteria, respectively. The third survey was conducted between 2012 and 2013; 749 of 1083 individuals enrolled from the second survey (69.2%, 248 men, 501 women) completed assessments identical to those in the second survey. The prevalence of frailty in the second survey was 5.6% (men, 3.8%; women, 6.6%). The cumulative incidence of frailty was 1.2%/year (men, 0.8%/year; women, 1.3%/year). After adjustment for confounding factors, logistic regression analysis indicated that osteoporosis was significantly associated with the occurrence of frailty (odds ratio, 3.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-7.36; p = 0.012). Moreover, the occurrence of frailty significantly increased according to the presence of osteoporosis and sarcopenia (odds ratio vs. neither osteoporosis nor sarcopenia: osteoporosis alone, 2.50; osteoporosis and sarcopenia, 5.80). Preventing osteoporosis and coexistence of osteoporosis and sarcopenia may help reduce the risk of frailty.

Radiographic measurements of the hip joint and their associations with hip pain in Japanese men and women: the Research on Osteoarthritis/osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD) study.

To investigate radiographic measurements of the hip joint and their associations with hip pain, and the prevalence of acetabular dysplasia defined by radiographic measurements of the hip joint in Japanese men and women using the large-scale population-based cohort of the Research on Osteoarthritis/osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD) study. From the baseline survey of the ROAD study (cross-sectional study), 2963 participants (1040 men, 1923 women; mean age, 70.2 years) were analyzed. All participants underwent radiographic examinations of both hips using an anteroposterior view under weight-bearing. Minimum joint space width (mJSW), central-edge (CE) angle, acetabular depth-to-width ratio (ADR), and acetabular head index (AHI) were measured. Associations between these radiographic measurements and hip pain were assessed by calculating odds ratios (ORs) using multivariable logistic-regression analysis. Acetabular dysplasia was defined as a CE angle <20°. Mean radiographic measurements of the hip joint for men were: mJSW, 3.8mm; CE angle, 30.6°; ADR, 262.1 per 1000; and AHI, 81.4%. For women, these values were: mJSW, 3.4mm; CE angle, 29.9°; ADR, 262.7 per 1000; and AHI, 81.2%. Associations were seen between hip pain and each of mJSW, CE angle, ADR, and AHI (OR 4.52, 95% confidence interval 3.45-5.97; 1.14, 1.11-1.18; 1.31, 1.24-1.40; and 1.15, 1.12-1.18, respectively). Acetabular dysplasia showed an overall prevalence of 13.9%, and was significantly more prevalent in women than in men (P=0.012). The present study of radiographic measurements of the hip joint showed that mJSW, CE angle, ADR, and AHI were associated with hip pain.

Epidemiology of the locomotive syndrome: The research on osteoarthritis/osteoporosis against disability study 2005–2015

Although locomotive organ disorders are major causes of disability and require support, little information is available regarding their epidemiology. Prevalence and co-existence of locomotive organ disorders including knee osteoarthritis (KOA), lumbar spondylosis (LS), hip osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis have been determined from baseline results of the Research on Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD) study. KOA, LS, and hip osteoarthritis overlap in the population, while KOA and LS co-exist in 42.0% of people. Mutual associations between locomotive organ disorders, metabolic syndrome components, and mild cognitive impairment were found using baseline and 3-year follow-up data from the ROAD study. Logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance, and mild cognitive impairment increase the risk of KOA. Osteoporosis at L2-4 was significantly influenced by the presence of femoral neck osteoporosis, and vice versa. In turn, excess weight was inversely associated with the occurrence of femoral neck osteoporosis. Finally, data from the 3rd survey (7-year follow-up) were used to calculate the prevalence of the locomotive syndrome using tests proposed by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association for assessing the risk of developing locomotive syndrome. Subsequently, the age-sex prevalence of stage 1 and stage 2 locomotive syndrome was estimated at 69.8% and 25.1%, respectively.

Is osteoporosis a predictor for future sarcopenia or vice versa? Four-year observations between the second and third ROAD study surveys.

The present 4-year follow-up study was performed to clarify the prevalence, incidence, and relationships between sarcopenia (SP) and osteoporosis (OP) in older Japanese men and women. We enrolled 1099 participants (aged, ≥60years; 377 men) from the second survey of the Research on Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis against Disability (ROAD) study (2008-2010) and followed them up for 4years. Handgrip strength, gait speed, skeletal muscle mass, and bone mineral density were assessed. SP was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. OP was defined based on the World Health Organization criteria. SP prevalence was 8.2% (men, 8.5%; women, 8.0%) in the second survey. In those with SP, 57.8% (21.9%; 77.6%) had OP at the lumbar spine L2-4 and/or femoral neck. SP cumulative incidence was 2.0%/year (2.2%/year; 1.9%/year). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that OP was significantly associated with SP occurrence within 4years (odds ratio, 2.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.46-6.12; p<0.01), but the reciprocal relationship was not significantly observed (2.11; 0.59-7.59; p=0.25). OP might raise the short-term risk of SP incidence. Therefore, OP would not only increase the risk for osteoporotic fracture but may also increase the risk for SP occurrence.

Prevalence of hand osteoarthritis and its relationship to hand pain and grip strength in Japan: The third survey of the ROAD study

Objectives: To examine the prevalence and pattern of hand osteoarthritis (HOA), and determine its relationship with grip strength and hand pain.Methods: Among the participants of the third survey of the Research on Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD) study, 507 Japanese men and 1028 Japanese women were included. Radiographs of both hands were graded for osteoarthritis (OA) using the modified Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) scale. HOA was defined as the presence of at least one affected joint. The absence or presence of subchondral erosion was also scored.Results: The prevalence of HOA (KL grade ≥2) was 89.9% in men and 92.3% in women (p = 0.11), and it was significantly associated with age. OA in the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint was the highest overall. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and the residing area, both severity (KL grade ≥3) and erosion were significantly related to low grip strength and hand pain. With regard to the joint groups, severe OA in the DIP and first carpometacarpal joints were related to hand pain.Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of radiographic HOA and a significant relationship between hand pain and the severity of HOA, in addition to erosion.

Quadriceps muscle strength, radiographic knee osteoarthritis and knee pain: the ROAD study.

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to clarify the association of quadriceps muscle strength with knee pain using a large-scale, population-based cohort of the Research on Osteoarthritis/osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD) study.MethodsFrom the 2566 subjects at the third visit of the ROAD study, the present study analyzed 2152 subjects who completed radiographic examinations and measurements of muscle strength and mass (690 men and 1462 women; mean age, 71.6 ± 12.2 years). Knee pain was assessed by an experienced orthopedist. Knee osteoarthritis (OA) was defined according to Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade. Quadriceps muscle strength and muscle mass at the lower limbs were measured by the Quadriceps Training Machine (QTM-05F, Alcare Co., Ltd. Tokyo, Japan) and the Body Composition Analyzer MC-190 (Tanita Corp., Tokyo, Japan), respectively.ResultsQuadriceps muscle strength and weight bearing index (WBI: quadriceps muscle strength by weight) were significantly associated with knee pain after adjustment for age and body mass index, whereas grip strength and muscle mass at the lower limbs were not. The significant association of quadriceps muscle strength with knee pain was independent of radiographic knee OA.ConclusionThe present cross-sectional study showed an independent association of quadriceps muscle strength with knee pain.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12891-015-0737-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Prevalence of radiographic hip osteoarthritis and its association with hip pain in Japanese men and women: the ROAD study

Although hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of hip pain and disability in elderly people, few epidemiologic studies have been performed. We investigated the prevalence of radiographic hip OA and its association with hip pain in Japanese men and women using a large-scale population of a nationwide cohort study, Research on Osteoarthritis/osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD). From the baseline survey of the ROAD study, 2975 participants (1043 men and 1932 women), aged 23-94 years (mean 70.2 years), living in urban, mountainous, and coastal communities were analyzed. The radiographic severity at both hips was determined by the Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) grading system. Radiographic hip OA was defined as K/L ≥ 2, and severe radiographic hip OA as K/L ≥ 3. The crude prevalence of radiographic hip OA was 18.2% and 14.3% in men and women, respectively, that of severe radiographic hip OA was 1.34% and 2.54%, and that of symptomatic K/L ≥ 2 OA was 0.29% and 0.99%, respectively. The crude prevalence of hip OA, including severe OA, was not age-dependent in men or women. Male sex was a risk factor for radiographic hip OA, whereas female sex was a risk factor for severe radiographic hip OA and hip pain. Compared with K/L = 0/1, hip pain was significantly associated with K/L ≥ 3, but not with K/L = 2. The present cross-sectional study revealed the prevalence of radiographic hip OA and severe hip OA in Japanese men and women. Hip pain was strongly associated with K/L ≥ 3.

Urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α as a marker of metabolic risks in the general Japanese population: The ROAD study.

To determine whether 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) is a reliable biomarker of the accumulation of metabolic risks [e.g., overweight, hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and dyslipidemia]. This was a cross-sectional study of the baseline characteristics of a Japanese general population cohort study: Research on Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD). Of 1,690 participants, 1,527 fulfilled all questionnaires and examinations. Free and conjugated urinary 8-iso-PGF2α levels and metabolic syndrome (MetS) components including blood pressure, HbA1c, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and non-HDL-C were analyzed. The data were analyzed by ANCOVA, multiple regression analysis, and multinomial logistic analysis. 8-iso-PGF2α was significantly associated with HbA1c and significantly inversely associated with total cholesterol and non-HDL-C. Notably, IGT with an HbA1c cut-off of 5.5% was significantly associated with 8-iso-PGF2α level in participants aged ≤50 years. Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed 8-iso-PGF2α level was significantly associated with a greater number of MetS risks present; this association was stronger in younger participants. In participants aged ≥71 years, 8-iso-PGF2α was significantly associated with a greater number of MetS risks with higher IGT cut-offs. Urinary 8-iso-PGF2α can be a reliable marker of IGT and the accumulation of MetS risks, especially in younger people.

Joint space narrowing, body mass index, and knee pain: the ROAD study (OAC1839R1)

The objective of the present study was to clarify the association of joint space narrowing with knee pain in Japanese men and women using a large-scale population-based cohort of the Research on Osteoarthritis/osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD) study. This study examined the association between minimum joint space width (mJSW) in the medial compartment and pain at the knee. mJSW was measured in the medial and lateral compartments of the knee using a knee osteoarthritis (OA) computer-aided diagnosis system. From the 3040 participants in the ROAD study, the present study analyzed 2733 participants who completed the radiographic examinations and questionnaires regarding knee pain (975 men and 1758 women; mean age, 69.9 ± 11.2 years). Subjects with lateral knee OA were excluded. After adjustment for age and Body mass index (BMI), medial mJSW, as well as medial mJSW/lateral mJSW, was significantly associated with knee pain. Sex and BMI affected the association of medial mJSW with knee pain. The threshold of medial mJSW was approximately 3 mm in men and 2 mm in women, while that of medial mJSW/lateral mJSW was approximately 60% in both men and women. BMI was found to have a distinct effect on the association of mJSW with pain. The present cross-sectional study using a large-scale population from the ROAD study showed that joint space narrowing had a significant association with knee pain. The thresholds of joint space narrowing for knee pain were also established.

Association between new indices in the locomotive syndrome risk test and decline in mobility: third survey of the ROAD study

BackgroundWe aimed to clarify the association between new indices in a locomotive syndrome risk test and decline in mobility. MethodsIn the third survey of the Research on Osteoarthritis/osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD) study, data on the indices were obtained from 1575 subjects (513 men, 1062 women) of the 1721 participants in mountainous and coastal areas. As outcome measures for decline in mobility, we used the five-times-sit-to-stand test (FTSST) and walking speed with cutoff values of 12 s and 0.8 m/s, respectively. ResultsWe first estimated the prevalence of the indices in locomotive syndrome risk test stage 1, including twostep test score <1.3, difficulty with one-leg standing from a 40-cm-high seat in the stand-up test, and 25-question GLFS score ≥7, which were found to be 57.4, 40.6, and 22.6 %, respectively. Next, we investigated the prevalence of the indices in locomotive syndrome risk test stage 2, including two-step test score <1.1, difficulty with standing from a 20-cm-high seat using both legs in the stand-up test, and 25-question GLFS score ≥16, which were found to be 21.1, 7.9, and 10.6 %, respectively. Logistic regression analysis using slow FTSST time or slow walking speed as the objective factor, and presence or absence of indices as the independent factor, after adjusting for confounders, showed all three indices in both stages 1 and 2 were significantly and independently associated with immobility. Finally, we clarified the risk of immobility according to an increasing number of indices in both stages 1 and 2 and found that the odds ratio for both slow FTSST time and slow walking speed increased exponentially. ConclusionWe found that the three indices independently predicted immobility and that accumulation of indices increased the risk of immobility exponentially.

Transdisciplinary Approach for Sarcopenia. Physical activity and sarcopenia

With the goal of establishing epidemiologic indexes to evaluate the clinical evidence for developing a disease-modifying treatment of bone and joint diseases including sarcopenia, we set up a large-scale nationwide cohort study called ROAD (Research on Osteoarthritis/osteoporosis Against Disability) in 2005. We established muscle strength and volume indexes stratified according to gender and age strata. We also clarified the prevalence of sarcopenia and its association with osteoarthritis, pain, and exercise in middle-aged individuals. In addition, we showed that unipedal standing exercise and squatting are effective methods to prevent sarcopenia.

SAT0444 Does Osteophytosis at the Knee PREDICT Health-Related Quality of Life Decline? A 3-Year Follow-Up of the ROAD Study

BackgroundEffect of osteophytosis on quality of life decline remains unclear.ObjectivesThe objective of the present longitudinal study was to clarify whether osteophytosis and joint space narrowing predict quality of life (QOL)...

Does osteophytosis at the knee predict health-related quality of life decline? A 3-year follow-up of the ROAD study.

The objective of the present longitudinal study was to clarify whether osteophytosis and joint space narrowing predict quality of life (QOL) decline using a longitudinal population-based cohort of the Research on Osteoarthritis/osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD) study. The present study analyzed 1,525 participants who completed the radiographic examination at baseline and questionnaires regarding QOL at a 3-year follow-up (546 men and 979 women; mean age, 67.0 ± 11.0 years). This study examined the associations of osteophyte area (OPA) and minimum joint space width (mJSW) in the medial compartment of the knee at baseline with pain and physical functional disability measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). OPA and mJSW in the medial compartment of the knee were measured using a knee osteoarthritis (OA) computer-aided diagnosis system. Overall, OPA independently predicted physical functional disability after 3 years of follow-up. When analyzed in men and women separately, OPA, rather than mJSW, was an independent predictor for pain and physical functional disability after 3 years of follow-up in men. OPA, rather than mJSW, also predicted worsening of pain in men during the 3-year follow-up, whereas in women, mJSW, rather than OPA, predicted worsening of pain. In conclusion, the present longitudinal study using a large-scale population from the ROAD study found gender differences in the association of osteophytosis and joint space narrowing with pain and physical functional disability.

Epidemiology of bone and joint disease - the present and future - . Epidemiology of falls

A longitudinal analysis using a population-based cohort study known as Research on Osteoarthritis/osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD) clarified the associations of physical performance and bone and joint diseases with falls. A total of 452 men and 896 women were analyzed in the present study (mean age, 63.9 years). A questionnaire was used to assess the number of falls during the 3-year follow-up. Grip strength, 6-m walking time, and chair stand time were measured at baseline. Knee osteoarthritis (OA) and lumbar spondylosis were defined as Kellgren Lawrence = 3 or 4. Vertebral fracture (VFx) was assessed with the Japanese Society of Bone and Mineral Research criteria. Knee and lower back pain were estimated by an interview. During a 3-year follow-up, 17.4% men and 24.1% women reported at least one fall. Multinomial logistic regression analysis after adjustment for age and BMI showed that a longer 6-m walking time was a risk factor for multiple falls in men and women. Knee pan was also a risk factor for multiple falls in women. Walking time and knee pain may be a simple and quick option for measuring the risk of falling.