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

• Published in: Physical therapy in sport 2018-07, Vol.32, p.98-108
• Main Authors: Ezzat, Allison M., Brussoni, Mariana, Whittaker, Jackie L., Emery, Carolyn A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Adolescent; Age; Arthritis; Athletes - psychology; Athletic Injuries - complications; Athletic Injuries - psychology; Attitude; Attitudes; Exercise; Female; Health care; High school basketball; Humans; Joint and ligament injuries; Knee; Knee Injuries - complications; Knee Injuries - psychology; Knee injury; Male; Medical research; Objectives; Osteoarthritis; Osteoarthritis, Knee - etiology; Peers; Physical activity; Physical fitness; Physical therapy; Prevention; Psychological factors; Self Concept; Sports injuries; Sports medicine; Team sports; Teenagers; Womens health; Young Adult; Young adults
• ISSN: 1466-853X; 1873-1600
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2018.05.001

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. Qualitative study. University Sports Medical/Research Center. 20 young adults 3–10 years subsequent to intra-articular knee injury. 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. 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. 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. •This study provides unique insight into the knee injury experience in adolescents and their attitudes and beliefs about PA and PTOA.•It highlights that a knee injury sustained during adolescence can have a lasting and substantive impact on young adults.•The 4 key themes were: Acceptance, Resiliency and Determination, Knee Confidence, and Athletic Identity.•Health may be improved in this population by addressing knee confidence and providing education on PA options and long-term joint health.