Prevalence & Factors Associated With Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis Among Professional Golfers in Kenya

Abstract

Study Background- Golf has been associated with an increased risk of injuries and abnormal loading conditions to the knee joint. This is due to the repetitive nature and biomechanical requirements of the golf swing which facilitate increased compressive and shear forces across the knee. Broad Objective- To evaluate the prevalence and factors attributing to symptomatic knee osteoarthritis among professional golfers in Kenya. Study Design & Site-This was a Cross-sectional Population Study carried out at the various Kenya Golf Union Golf Clubs throughout the country. Participants and Methods-The participants included all professional golfers above the age of 18 years. Data on the golfer’s demographics and golf related characteristics was collected together with the use of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score form. Participants with a Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score of <85% in more than 2 subscale parameters underwent plain knee radiographic assessment and graded according to the Kellgren & Lawrence classification. Results- A total of 50 participants were recruited into this study. All were male and the median age was 41 years (34-49). More than half were found to have a BMI of greater than 25kg/m² and there were only 2 left handed participants. The average duration of active golf participation was 16.5years (SD=4.2). Of the 50 participants only 54% regularly participated in pre-game conditioning exercises and stretches of which 2/3 observed this for less than 10minutes. Fourteen participants reported significant knee symptoms associated with golf of which more than half affected the lead knee. The prevalence of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in this study is 18%.........................................................................................