Exploring the bidirectional relationship between localized musculoskeletal pain and gait abnormalities: a Mendelian randomization study

BackgroundAbnormal gait will alter lower extremity joint mechanics load-bearing patterns, accelerate the osteoarticular disease process, trigger new oste-oarticular complications, and bring about multiple mobility impairments; scientific pain management strategies can help with walking training and rehabilitation exercises. However, studies to date on the relationship between localized musculoskeletal pain and gait abnormalities have not reached definitive conclusions. PurposeTo investigate the bidirectional causal relationship between localized musculoskeletal pain and gait abnormalities. MethodsThe independent single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci strongly associated with pain were extracted as instrumental variables (IVs) from Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data of localized musculoskeletal pain according to preset thresholds, and Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used to assess the association between pain-related phenotypes and gait abnormalities; the Cochran Q test was used to assess the heterogeneity of the SNPs. ResultsLow back pain (OR=1.53, 95%CI=1.058[~]2.219, P=0.023) and hip pain (OR=1.55, 95%CI=1.067[~]2.252, P=0.021) were significantly genetically predisposed to gait abnormalities, but knee pain (OR=2.15, 95%CI=0.234[~]19.789, P=0.498) was not significantly genetically susceptible to gait abnormalities. None of the results of the reverse MR analysis supported reverse causality. The Cochran Q test showed no heterogeneity among the SNPs. ConclusionsThis study suggests a robust correlation, gait abnormalities are related to low back pain and hip pain. Our findings contribute to a deeper comprehension of the intricate interplay between localized musculoskeletal pain and gait abnormalities, emphasizing the importance of employing tailored strategies to alleviate localized musculoskeletal pain.