MedicineEnvironmental Science

Bin Luo, Ruize Chen, Zongyuan Huang, Shuai Zhang, Yanting Chen, Mingde Cao, L. Kong, Xintong Wu, Qianshi Guo, Yuxiang Ouyang, Hua Wang, Yancheng Song

2026.2.1Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open

DOI: 10.1016/j.ocarto.2026.100756

tlooto Summary

Reducing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity may improve sleep in OA, potentially via inflammatory pathways, and further longitudinal research is warranted.

Abstract

Objective This study examines how physical activity and sedentary behavior influence sleep disturbances in OA patients, with inflammation potentially mediating these effects.

Methods Data related to OA, sleep disorders, sleep quality, inflammatory markers, physical activity and sedentary behavior from 4386 adults were collected from the NHANES. Mediation analysis evaluated inflammation's role.

Results Sedentary behavior increased sleep disorder risk in OA patients, while physical activity was protective. Inflammatory markers (notably CRP and NLR) mediated 5.3 %-17.9 % of the association between OA and sleep disorders. Physical activity's protective effect was stronger in highly sedentary individuals.

Conclusion Reducing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity may improve sleep in OA, potentially via inflammatory pathways. Further longitudinal research is warranted.

Citation format

LUO, Bin, et al. Associations of sedentary behavior and physical activity with sleep disorders in patients with osteoarthritis: The mediating role of inflammatory biomarkers. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open, 2026, 8(2): 100756.