Exergame physical activity and pain sensitivity among older-aged women with knee osteoarthritis

Pain is a debilitating and disabling condition for aging women with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Physical activity, such as cycling, is recommended as a strategy for managing knee OA pain. This pilot study investigated exergame physical activity, pressure pain sensitivity and coping among middle and older-aged women with knee OA. Study included 43 women (African American and non-Hispanic White) between the ages of 55-70. Baseline mechanical (algometer) pressure and post-cycling pressure was applied at the medial joint of the most affected arthritic knee. Researchers assessed threshold ratings (first feeling) of pain. Participants completed the Brief Pain Inventory and the McGill Pain Questionnaire. A significant difference was found between baseline pressure and post pressure pain testing without the game (t=3.052, 95% CI=0.081-0.396, p=0.004). Sixty six % of the women described pain as being at its worst within the last 24 hours. Women also described chronic knee pain as moderately aching (66%); moderately tender (39%), and moderately tiring/exhaustive Mild pain was described as throbbing (40%), and the intensity of the pain experience was discomforting (49%). Women reported greater exergame enjoyment compared to non-exergame cycling. Research shows that the pain experiences of women are unique, and under-treated. Experimental laboratory measures serve as a proxy for assessing chronic, clinical pain. Novel and innovative interventions such as Games4Health (exergaming) hold promise for pain management among individuals with knee OA.