Avoidance of activity and disability in @entity1 with XXXX of the knee: the mediating role of muscle strength.

@entity1 @entity717 @entity571 @entity425
OBJECTIVE: Avoidance of activity is hypothesized to lead to @entity425 and consequently, to @entity717 . This study was undertaken to validate the avoidance model by providing evidence for the mediating role of @entity425 in the relationship between avoidance of activity and @entity717 in @entity1 with @entity571 ( @entity571 ) of the knee. METHODS: Data on avoidance of activity, observed @entity717 , and muscle strength of the knee in 107 @entity1 with knee @entity571 were analyzed. A series of regression analyses was performed to establish the mediating role of @entity425 . First, the effect of avoidance of activity on the level of disability was assessed. Next, the relationship between avoidance of activity and muscle strength was established. Finally, the mediating role of muscle strength could be established if the effect of avoidance of activity on disability decreased when muscle strength was taken into account. RESULTS: Initially, avoidance of activity accounted for 21.5% of variance in disability. Avoidance of activity also accounted for 3.9% of variance in muscle strength. After muscle strength was taken into account, the variance in disability accounted for by avoidance of activity was reduced from 21.5% to 15.7%. Thus, the criteria for establishing the mediating role of muscle strength were met. CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide evidence for the mediating role of @entity425 in the relationship between avoidance of activity and disability in @entity1 with knee @entity571 .
