International Research Journal of Applied and Basic Sciences © 2013 Available online at www.irjabs.com ISSN 2251-838X / Vol, 4 (5): 1102-1106 Science Explorer Publications The relationship between pain and physical function in adults with Knee Osteoarthritis Ali Reza Mohajjel Aghdam 1 , Susan Kolahi 2 , Hadi Hasankhani 3 , Mozhghan Behshid 4 , Zhaleh Varmaziar 5 1. M.Sc of Nursing, Nursing & Midwifery Faculty, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran 2. Romathologist, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran 3. Ph.D. in Nursing, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran 4. M.Sc of Nursing, Nursing & Midwifery Faculty, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran 5. M.Sc of Nursing Student, student’s Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Corresponding Author) Corresponding Author email Zhaleh.varmaziar@yahoo.com ABSTRACT: Knee Osteoarthritis is estimated to be the most common causes of disability in older adults. Knee and hip osteoarthritis pain in older adults is very common and osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain and physical, mental and social disability. There is no study in Iran to explore the forms of relationships among pain, demographic characteristics and physical function. Therefore, this study was undertaken to describe the relationship among pain, demographic characteristics and physical function in patients with knee Osteoarthritis Considering Iranian patients’ culture in daily activities. Eighty-one knee Osteoarthritis patients referring to Rheumatology clinic depended on Tabriz University of medical science participated in this study with convenience sampling method. Data was collected through the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities questionnaire, that ordered in three subscales which included pain (5 items), stiffness (2 items) and physical function (17 items). Data analyzed using SPSS software. The results of linear regression analysis indicate the relationship among physical function, pain, stiffness, and duration of disease were significant. From these results it can be concluded pain and joint stiffness are important factors that affect the ability to perform activities of daily living in patients with knee Osteoarthritis. Therefore, we suggest that patients become familiar with nonpharmacologic pain relief methods and muscle strengthening exercises to overcome disability from disease. Key Words: adult; knee osteoarthritis; pain; physical function INTRODUCTION Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) is estimated to be the most common causes of disability in old adults (Toda and Tsukimura, 2004). Patients with knee osteoarthritis suffer from progressive disability when walking, going up and down stairs (Chuang et al., 2007). The high incidence of OA in old people and the aging of the people will direct to increased OA and costs to treat these patients as a result (Boutron et al., 2008 ). A systematic review of incidence and prevalence of knee OA in people older than 55 years in the United Kingdom reported an incidence of 25 percent per year, a prevalence of inability caused by knee OA of 10 percent, and severe disability as regards two to three percent (Peat et al., 2001). Knee and hip osteoarthritis pain in old adults is very common and osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain and physical, mental and social disability (Altman et al., 1991; McAlindon et al., 1992). While OA can affect any joint, hip and knee are most frequently involved joints (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, 2008; Felson, 2009). There are no common treatments for osteoarthritis that could be prevented the development of joint damage caused by OA, at present. Consequently, the purposes of management of OA patients are to control pain and, decrease disability, improve the quality of life, and educate the patient about his or her role in self management (Fajardo and Di Cesare, 2005). Osteoarthritis may be affecting various aspects of patients' quality of life. Overweight and pain are factors that could be cause these problems (Pells et al., 2007). Patients order to relief pain had to minimize physical activity and have sedentary life (Bunning and Materson, 1991). However, Recent reports of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American College of Sports Medicine, the American surgeon society and the