Objective:

To compare patterns of adiposity change between youth with a sport-related knee injury and uninjured youth in the 2-year period following injury.

Approach:

• Study Design: Primary analysis of the Alberta Youth Prevention of Early Osteoarthritis Cohort (PrEOA) prospective cohort study.
• Participants: 186 youth (106 injured, 80 uninjured, 62% female, mean age 16±2 years) were assessed for fat mass (FM) at baseline and follow-ups.
• Data Collection: Fat mass was measured using bioelectrical impedance at baseline (≤4 months from injury) and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.
• Statistical Analysis: Linear mixed models were used to examine the association between knee injury and FM change over time, adjusting for confounders.

Key Findings:

• No significant differences in FM gain between injured and uninjured groups over 24 months (0.1 kg, 95%CI: -0.6, 0.9).
• Minimal to no differences in FM at any time point (6-months: 0.9, 12-months: 0.7, 18-months: -0.1, 24-months: -0.9).
• No significant differences between individuals with ACL tears versus other knee injuries, or between sexes.

Interpretation:

Adiposity gains of youth with a sport-related knee injury over the initial 2-years post-injury may not differ from uninjured youth.

Limitations:

• The study may not account for all potential confounders affecting adiposity.
• Data on physical activity levels post-injury were not detailed.

Conclusion:

Sources:

• Article DOI