Metabolic syndrome is associated with poorer outcomes in people with osteoarthritis participating in a rehabilitation program: an observational study.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and explore its association with clinical outcomes (pain, quality of life, and physical function) in adults participating in an education and exercise program (GLA:D).

Methods: An observational study of adults with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis who participated in GLA:D between 2019 and 2022. Metabolic syndrome status was determined through self-report. Differences in clinical outcomes among people with, at risk of (1-2 risk factors), or without metabolic syndrome were compared at baseline, 3-, and 12-months using linear mixed models (age, sex, and baseline outcomes as covariates).

Results: Of 6846 participants (aged 65(SD 9) years), 20% ( = 1337) had, and 68% ( = 4632) were at risk of metabolic syndrome. Adults with metabolic syndrome reported higher pain (0-100 VAS: 7.3, 95% CI 5.4-9.1), lower health-related quality of life (EQ5D 0-100, VAS: -8.6, 95% CI -10.2 to -7.0), and slower gait speed (-0.26 m/s, 95%CI -0.3 to -0.23) at baseline compared to those with no metabolic risk factors. Differences remained at 3- and 12-months for pain and quality of life.

Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome risk factors were common in adults with osteoarthritis. Clinical outcomes remain impaired in people with metabolic syndrome compared to those without after education and exercise, suggesting further intervention may be required.