A qualitative investigation of the attitudes and beliefs about physical activity and post-traumatic osteoarthritis in young adults 3-10 years after an intra-articular knee injury

Allison M Ezzat; Mariana Brussoni; Jackie L Whittaker; Carolyn A Emery

doi:10.1016/j.ptsp.2018.05.001

A qualitative investigation of the attitudes and beliefs about physical activity and post-traumatic osteoarthritis in young adults 3-10 years after an intra-articular knee injury

Phys Ther Sport. 2018 Jul:32:98-108. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2018.05.001. Epub 2018 May 4.

Authors

Allison M Ezzat¹, Mariana Brussoni², Jackie L Whittaker³, Carolyn A Emery⁴

Affiliations

¹ School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Electronic address: aezzat@bcchr.ca.
² School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
³ Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic, University of Alberta, AB, Canada.
⁴ Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; The Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.

PMID: 29778829
DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2018.05.001

Abstract

Objective: To understand the influence of the injury experience on current attitudes and beliefs about physical activity (PA) and the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) in youth and young adults 3-10 years after a sport-related knee injury.

Design: Qualitative study.

Setting: University Sports Medical/Research Center.

Participants: 20 young adults 3-10 years subsequent to intra-articular knee injury.

Main outcome measures: Semi-structured interviews were conducted and transcribed verbatim. Analysis used a constant comparative approach with conceptual labels and categories, axial coding, and selective coding to reveal main themes.

Results: The four main themes were: acceptance; resiliency and determination; knee confidence; and athletic identity. Participants accepted the impact of the injury on their sporting ability and future PTOA to varying degrees. Participants were often highly motivated to recover and met the injury with resilience. Knee confidence was a major concern. Most participants' athletic identity had evolved; impacted both by life and injury experiences.

Conclusions: This study provides insight into the knee injury experience and resultant attitudes and beliefs regarding PA and PTOA in adolescents. Physiotherapists may assist in secondary prevention of PTOA by promoting PA, addressing knee confidence, and educating about long-term joint health.

Keywords: Knee injury; Osteoarthritis; Physical activity; Psychological factors.

MeSH terms

Adaptation, Psychological
Adolescent
Athletes / psychology
Athletic Injuries / complications*
Athletic Injuries / psychology*
Attitude*
Exercise*
Female
Humans
Knee Injuries / complications*
Knee Injuries / psychology*
Male
Osteoarthritis, Knee / etiology*
Self Concept
Young Adult