Regression to the mean for physical function and quality of life in clinical trials for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis
Authors' conclusion
RTM in trials for knee OA is likely to explain improvement in physical function and QOL, not only in knee pain.
Study context
- Population
- Osteoarthritis Initiative participants fulfilling typical knee osteoarthritis (OA) trial inclusion criteria: age 40–79 years, symptomatic knee OA, Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2–3, pain medication use more than half the days of a month in past 12 months, NRS pain 4 to 9
- Participants
- 547 participants
- Outcome
- Size of regression to the mean (RTM): observed changes in WOMAC physical function and KOOS QOL
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Mean improvement after theoretical trial inclusion (RTM)
WOMAC physical function, mean improvement from inclusion to 1 year
2.5
95% CI 1.7 to 3.2
WOMAC physical function, mean improvement from inclusion to 2 years
3.1
95% CI 2.3 to 3.8
KOOS quality of life (QOL), mean improvement from inclusion to 1 year
2.7
95% CI 1.7 to 3.7
KOOS QOL, mean improvement from inclusion to 2 years
4.2
95% CI 3.1 to 5.3
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Mean levels at follow-up time points vs at theoretical trial inclusion
- Mean physical function at each follow-up time point, about
- 18
- Mean QOL at each follow-up time point, about
- 51
- Mean physical function at theoretical inclusion (worse)
- 23
- Mean QOL at theoretical inclusion (worse)
- 43
Original publication
Regression to the mean for physical function and quality of life in clinical trials for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. Published 26 November 2024. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →