Interação entre sarcobesidade e osteoartrite de joelho: implicações biomecânicas, inflamatórias e terapêuticas - uma revisão integrativa

Sarcopenic obesity is characterized by the coexistence of excess adipose tissue and progressive decline in skeletal muscle mass and performance, establishing a clinical phenotype with substantial repercussions on joint health in older adults. When combined with knee osteoarthritis, this clinical condition exacerbates functional impairments and pain. This study aimed to analyze scientific evidence regarding the interaction between sarcopenic obesity and knee osteoarthritis, identifying biomechanical impacts, inflammatory pathways, and physical therapy interventions. An integrative literature review was conducted according to the Whittemore and Knafl framework, screening PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases between 2019 and 2026. Ten studies were selected and appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools and evidence level hierarchy. The findings indicate that quadriceps atrophy and dynapenia impair active joint stability, transferring excessive mechanical loading to articular surfaces in the presence of elevated body mass, while expanding adipose tissue releases pro-inflammatory mediators. Therapeutic interventions centered on progressive resistance training, combined with dietary control, attenuate functional decline and preserve lean mass. In conclusion, managing sarcopenic obesity in knee osteoarthritis demands multimodal programs combining muscular strengthening and biomechanical stabilization within comprehensive healthcare strategies.