Association of Metabolic Syndrome with Pain Severity and Physical Functioning in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Authors

  • SAKSHI SHARMA MPT Scholar, College of Physiotherapy, Pt BDS PGIMS Rohtak
  • Bhawna Verma Associate Professor, College of physiotherapy, Pt. B. D. Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India
  • Pradeep Kamboj Senior Professor and Unit head, Department of orthopaedics, Pt BDS PGIMS, Rohtak
  • Megha Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences image/svg+xml
  • Nikita MPT Scholar, Collge of Physiotherapy, Pt B.D. Sharma, PGIMS, Rohatk https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1233-4744

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60081/SSHA.4.1.2026.638-645
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Keywords:

  • knee osteoarthritis,
  • metabolic syndrome,
  • pain severity,
  • physical functioning,
  • muscle strength,
  • inflammation

Abstract

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent and debilitating musculoskeletal condition increasingly recognized as a metabolically influenced disorder. Metabolic syndrome (MetS)-encompassing obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and insulin resistance-has been implicated in the onset, progression, and symptomatic burden of KOA through both mechanical and systemic inflammatory mechanisms. Objective: This narrative review aimed to examine the association between metabolic syndrome and pain severity and physical functioning in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Studies published between 2001 and 2024 were reviewed, encompassing cross-sectional, longitudinal cohort and observational, case control studies. Key outcomes included pain severity, physical functioning, muscle strength, physical activity levels, and quality of life. Results: MetS was significantly more prevalent among KOA patients compared than in non-OA populations. A dose–response relationship was observed between MetS component accumulation and worse pain, functional decline, and disease progression. Elevated inflammatory markers, including IL-6, correlated with greater radiographic severity and disability. Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome significantly amplifies pain severity and functional impairment in KOA beyond mechanical loading alone. Integrated metabolic screening and multidisciplinary management are essential for optimizing patient outcomes.

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Author Biographies

  • SAKSHI SHARMA, MPT Scholar, College of Physiotherapy, Pt BDS PGIMS Rohtak

    saakshi7026@gmail.com

  • Bhawna Verma, Associate Professor, College of physiotherapy, Pt. B. D. Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India

    Bhawna_pt@yahoo.co.in

  • Pradeep Kamboj, Senior Professor and Unit head, Department of orthopaedics, Pt BDS PGIMS, Rohtak

    kambojdr@gmail.com

  • Megha, Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences

    meghs80@yahoo.co.in

  • Nikita, MPT Scholar, Collge of Physiotherapy, Pt B.D. Sharma, PGIMS, Rohatk

    nikita24899@gmail.com

     

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Published

2026-06-30

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 01 (2026): January to June, 2026

Section

Review Article

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Copyright (c) 2026 SAKSHI SHARMA, Bhawna Verma, Pradeep Kamboj, Megha, Nikita

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

SHARMA, S., Bhawna Verma, Pradeep Kamboj, Megha, & Nikita. (2026). Association of Metabolic Syndrome with Pain Severity and Physical Functioning in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis. Sports Science & Health Advances, 4(01), 638-645. https://doi.org/10.60081/SSHA.4.1.2026.638-645