LAUSR

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of physical impairment in older persons. Few studies have determined the relationship between the presence of OA and frailty. We evaluated the prospective relationship between knee pain and frailty in a Malaysian longitudinal cohort. Data from Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research (MELoR) study were utilised. Baseline data were obtained from home-based computer-assisted questionnaires and hospital-based health-checks from 2013–2015. The presence of knee pain was determined with the single question, ‘do you have pain in your knee(s)?’. Frailty status was determined at follow-up in 2019 using SARC-F. Data from 1,226 individuals, mean age (SD) = 68.97 (7.48), range = 54–97 years and 56.6% women at baseline, were included. 408 (33.3%) had knee pain. Individuals with knee pain were significantly more likely to be female (66.2% vs 51.8%, p < 0.001). Ethnic differences existed in the presence of knee pain (Malay 43.4% vs Chinese 24.8% vs Indian 31.9%, p < 0.001). Individuals with knee pain was more likely to have diabetes (40.1% vs 29.9%, p < 0.001), hypertension (38.3% vs 27.0%, p < 0.001), dyslipidaemia (38.4% vs 26.5%, p < 0.001) and obesity (52.6% vs 30.2%, p < 0.001). After adjustment for confounders, individuals with knee pain were more significantly to develop frailty at follow-up [odds ratio (95% confidence interval) =2.71(1.61–4.58)]. Knee pain was associated with an increased risk of frailty with 5-years follow-up in an urban population in Kuala Lumpur. More detailed evaluation using imaging and clinical diagnosis of osteoarthritis is now indicated. Future studies should also seek to identify modifiable risk factors for the development of frailty in individuals with knee OA and develop strategies to prevent frailty.