The association between walking speeds and osteoarthritis risk based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and Mendelian randomization study

Objectives

To investigate the association between walking speed and osteoarthritis (OA) risk using nationally representative data and Mendelian randomization analysis to infer potential causality.

Study design

A cross-sectional study combined with a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.

Methods

Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), including information on walking speed, OA status, and covariates. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between walking speed and OA. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach was performed using genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics to explore the potential causal relationship. Sensitivity analyses including heterogeneity and pleiotropy tests were conducted to ensure robustness.

Results

A total of 2027 participants were included. OA patients demonstrated a slower average walking speed (0.9 m/s) compared to non-OA individuals (1.0 m/s). Obesity was significantly associated with OA (OR 1.85, 95 % CI: 1.46–2.33, p < 0.001), and reduced walking speed also showed a strong association (OR 0.23, 95 % CI: 0.16–0.33, p < 0.001). MR analysis supported a causal protective effect of higher walking speed on OA risk.

Conclusions

Faster walking speed is associated with a reduced risk of osteoarthritis, and MR results suggest a potential causal relationship. Walking speed may serve as a modifiable behavioral marker for OA prevention and could inform future public health and clinical strategies.