The Adherence to High-Intensity Interval Training Among Obese Women with Early-Stage Knee Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective Cohort Study in India

Saravanan M; Arunachalam Ramachandran; Anandhan Duraisamy; Rajkumar Krishnan Vasanthy

doi:10.15391/prrht.2025-10(2).02

Authors

M. Saravanan Department of Physiotherapy, Madhav University, Pindwara, Sirohi, Rajasthan, India https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8959-9399
Arunachalam Ramachandran Department of Physiotherapy, Madhav University, Pindwara, Sirohi, Rajasthan, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8082-7195
Anandhan Duraisamy Department of Physiotherapy, Madhav University, Pindwara, Sirohi, Rajasthan, India https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5204-2733
Rajkumar Krishnan Vasanthy Faculty of Health and Life Science, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0481-9761

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15391/prrht.2025-10(2).02

Keywords:

Obesity, Osteoarthrosis, Hig-intensity interval training, exercise adherence

Abstract

Purpose. This study aimed to analyze adherence to High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) among patients with early-stage knee osteoarthritis (OAK) and identify factors influencing adherence.

Material & Methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from 569 patients diagnosed with early-stage OAK across four private orthopedic clinics in India. Eligibility criteria included a BMI ≥30 and early-stage OAK. Adherence was defined as attending ≥80% of prescribed sessions. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, and adherence were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression.

Results. Out of 569 eligible patients, 522 were included in the final analysis. The average age was 53.8 years, with a mean BMI of 31.9 kg/m². Adherence to the HIIT program was weak, with only 34% of participants meeting the high adherence threshold. Higher pain severity, BMI, and WOMAC scores were significantly associated with lower adherence, while higher educational levels improved adherence.

Conclusions. The study found lower adherence to HIIT among patients with early-stage OAK compared to Western populations. Factors such as pain severity, BMI, and functional limitations were significant barriers to adherence. Future interventions should focus on addressing these barriers to improve adherence rates.

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