Gait characteristics and lower limb muscle strength in women with early and established knee osteoarthritis

Background

Based on novel classification criteria using magnetic resonance imaging, a subpopulation of “early knee osteoarthritis patients” was clearly defined recently. This study assessed whether these early osteoarthritis patients already exhibit gait adaptations (knee joint loading in particular) and changes in muscle strength compared to control subjects and established knee osteoarthritis patients.

Methods

Fourteen female patients with early knee joint degeneration, defined by magnetic resonance imaging (early osteoarthritis), 12 female patients with established osteoarthritis and 14 female control subjects participated. Specific gait parameters and lower limb muscle strength were analyzed and compared between groups. Within the osteoarthritis groups, association between muscle strength and dynamic knee joint loading was also evaluated.

Findings

Early osteoarthritis patients presented no altered gait pattern, no significant increase in knee joint loading and no significant decrease in hamstring muscle strength compared to controls, while established osteoarthritis patients did. In contrast, early osteoarthritis patients experienced significant quadriceps weakness, comparable to established osteoarthritis patients. Within the osteoarthritis groups, muscle strength was not correlated with knee joint loading during gait.

Interpretation

The results suggest that gait changes reflect mechanical overload and are most likely the consequence of structural degeneration in knee osteoarthritis. Quadriceps weakness might however contribute to the onset and progression of the disease. This study supports the relevance of classification of early osteoarthritis patients and assists in identifying their functional characteristics. This helps to understand the trajectory of disease onset and progression and further develop more targeted strategies for prevention and treatment of knee osteoarthritis.     

两种不同矫形器对早期内侧间室膝关节骨性关节炎步态的影响

摘要 目的: 比较早期内侧间室膝关节骨性关节炎（OA）患者在佩戴膝关节外翻矫形器与外侧楔形角矫形鞋垫后所产生的下肢生物力学变化及差异,探讨不同矫形器在早期内侧间室膝关节骨性关节炎患者康复中的应用价值。 方法: 采用Vicon三维步态分析系统及Kislter测力台分别测评32例早期内侧间室型膝关节骨性关节炎患者在佩戴定制外侧楔形角矫形鞋垫（倾斜角5°）、膝关节外翻矫形器及无佩戴任何矫形器（测试期间均穿标准鞋）三种条件下的下肢关节运动学、动力学及时间空间参数。 结果: 相较于未佩戴任何矫形器情况,佩戴2种矫形器后膝关节内侧间室压力（膝关节内翻力矩,膝关节内翻角冲量）均明显降低（P<0.05）,此外佩戴外侧楔形角矫形鞋垫后患者踝关节外翻角度明显增加,足底压力中心明显向外侧偏移（P<0.05）。 结论: 两种不同的矫形器均有助于降低早期内侧间室型膝关节骨性关节炎患者在步行过程中膝内侧间室所产生的压力,两者治疗效果未见明显差异。     

Hip abductor function in individuals with medial knee osteoarthritis: Implications for medial compartment loading during gait

Background

Hip abductor muscles generate moments of force that control lower extremity frontal plane motion. Strengthening these muscles has been a recent trend in therapeutic intervention studies for knee osteoarthritis. The current study investigated the relationship between hip abductor muscle function (strength and activation) and the net external knee adduction moment during gait in those with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

54 individuals with moderate knee osteoarthritis walked at their self-selected velocity while gluteus medius electromyograms, segment motions and ground reaction forces were recorded. Net external knee adduction moment (KAM) and linear enveloped electromyographic profiles were calculated. Peak KAM was determined and then principal component analyses (PCA) were applied to KAM and electromyographic profiles. Isometric hip abductor strength, anthropometrics and gait velocity were measured. Multiple regression models evaluated the relationship between walking velocity, hip abductor strength, electromyographic variables recorded during gait and KAM waveform characteristics.

Findings

Minimal peak KAM variance was explained by abductor strength (R² = 9%, P = 0.027). PCA-based KAM waveform characteristics were not explained by abductor strength. Overall gluteus medius amplitude (PP1-scores) was related to a reduction in the bi-modal KAM (PP3-scores) pattern (R² = 16%, P = 0.003).

Interpretation

There was no clear relationship between hip abductor muscle strength and specific amplitude and temporal KAM characteristics. Higher overall gluteus medius activation amplitude was related to a sustained KAM during mid-stance. 84 to 90% of the variance in KAM waveform characteristics was not explained by hip abductor muscle function showing hip abductor muscle function has minimal association to KAM characteristics.     

Effects of Swedish massage on gait spatiotemporal parameters in adult women with medial knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPatients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) are always faced with functional limitations in daily activities due to knee pain. They are also at risk of falling because of compensatory kinetics and kinematics changes in walking, which is why they are seeking complementary therapies to deal with their problems.ObjectiveThe present research aimed to evaluate whether Swedish massage is effective in relieving the symptoms of knee OA and improving the gait spatiotemporal parameters of patients with knee OA.MethodsThirty adult women with knee OA participated in this study voluntarily. The intervention group (n = 15) received Swedish massage on their quadriceps for 20–30 min per session (12 sessions). During this period, the control group (n = 15) received their regular treatment. Osteoarthritis symptoms were evaluated by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. The spatiotemporal parameters of gait were also captured by the motion analysis system during barefoot walking.ResultsThe intervention group demonstrated significantly more pain relief and improved function compared to the control group. A significant increase was observed in the gait speed, total support time, and single support time (P < 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant decrease in the step width and initial double support time of the patients after receiving Swedish massage (P < 0.05).ConclusionIt can be concluded that Swedish massage may positively affect pain relief and function improvement in patients with knee OA. Also, Swedish massage was found to improve the spatiotemporal parameters in the patients. This may have important clinical implications regarding the rehabilitation of patients with knee OA.     

Differences in gait pattern parameters between medial and anterior knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee

Background

Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee have unique spatiotemporal gait alterations. These gait changes have not yet been differentiated according to the location of knee pain. The purpose of this study was to compare the gait patterns of patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis that exhibit either anterior or medial joint pain.

Methods

240 Patients with knee osteoarthritis were evaluated at one therapy center. Patients were divided into two groups according to the location of greatest pain in their worse knee. Patients underwent a computerized spatiotemporal gait analysis. Differences in gait patterns between the two knee pain locations were also examined within each gender.

Findings

Compared with patients with pain in the anterior knee compartment, those with pain in the medial knee compartment exhibited a significantly slower walking speed (P < 0.01), shorter step length (P < 0.01), lower single-limb-support phase (P < 0.01). These differences are witnessed mainly between the females in each group, whereas males differed only in single-limb-support.

Interpretation

The results of this study suggested underlying gait differences in the nature of medial and anterior knee pain. Furthermore, gender differences in gait may exist between patients with medial knee pain compared to patients with anterior knee pain.     

A study of the gait characteristics of patients with chronic osteoarthritis of the knee

Purpose : There is scant information at present on the effects of severe osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee joint on gait. In the present study the kinematic and kinetic parameters of gait and the pattern of activation of four lower limb muscles were examined during walking at a self-selected pace on level ground. The spatiotemporal parameters of gait were also computed.

Methods : Measurements were made using a three-dimensional optico-electronic motion analysis system integrated with a force plate and telemetered electromyography.

Results : Fifty-eight patients with severe OA of the knee and 25 age-matched healthy control subjects were examined. Patients demonstrated a significantly reduced walking speed, shorter stride length and a more prolonged stance phase of the gait cycle compared with the control subjects. They also had less range of motion at the hip, knee and ankle, joints and generated less moments and powers at the ankle and more moments at the knee than the control group. The differences were statistically significant for all parameters except the degree of ankle plantar flexion in stance. Activation of the rectus femoris muscle was prolonged in the patients group.

Conclusions : It is concluded that the observed gait abnormalities were due to instability of the knee joint in stance. This may have important clinical implications for the rehabilitation of patients with severe OA of the knee.     

A study of the gait characteristics of patients with chronic osteoarthritis of the knee

Purpose : There is scant information at present on the effects of severe osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee joint on gait. In the present study the kinematic and kinetic parameters of gait and the pattern of activation of four lower limb muscles were examined during walking at a self-selected pace on level ground. The spatiotemporal parameters of gait were also computed. Methods : Measurements were made using a three-dimensional optico-electronic motion analysis system integrated with a force plate and telemetered electromyography. Results : Fifty-eight patients with severe OA of the knee and 25 age-matched healthy control subjects were examined. Patients demonstrated a significantly reduced walking speed, shorter stride length and a more prolonged stance phase of the gait cycle compared with the control subjects. They also had less range of motion at the hip, knee and ankle, joints and generated less moments and powers at the ankle and more moments at the knee than the control group. The differences were statistically significant for all parameters except the degree of ankle plantar flexion in stance. Activation of the rectus femoris muscle was prolonged in the patients group. Conclusions : It is concluded that the observed gait abnormalities were due to instability of the knee joint in stance. This may have important clinical implications for the rehabilitation of patients with severe OA of the knee.     

Contribution of knee adduction moment impulse to pain and disability in Japanese women with medial knee osteoarthritis

Background

An increase in the knee adduction moment is one of the risk factors of medial knee osteoarthritis. This study examined the relationship between knee adduction moment and self-reported pain and disability. We also investigated the influence of pain on the relationships between knee adduction moment and gait performance and disability.

Methods

Thirty-eight Japanese women with medial knee osteoarthritis participated in this study (66.37 years (41–79 years)). Gait analysis involved the measurement of the external knee adduction moment impulse in the stance duration and during 3 subdivisions of stance. The total, pain and stiffness, and physical function Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure scores were determined.

Findings

The pain and stiffness, physical function, and total scores were positively correlated with the knee adduction moment impulses in the stance duration, and initial and second double support interval, and single limb support interval. The knee adduction moment impulse during the stance duration was related to the pain and stiffness subscale and gait velocity. The pain and stiffness subscale was related to the physical function subscale.

Interpretation

Our results suggest that increasing in the knee adduction moment impulse, a proxy for loading on the medial compartment of the knee, is related to increased pain during weight-bearing activities such as walking, thereby restricting walking performance and causing disability by reducing gait velocity. Thus, the reduction in the knee adduction moment impulse during gait may result in pain relief and may serve as a conservative treatment option with disease-modifying potential.     

不同外侧楔形矫形鞋垫对内侧间室膝骨性关节炎患者步态的影响

目的:通过比较早期内侧间室膝骨性关节炎患者在佩戴传统与新型外侧楔形角矫形鞋垫(LW)后步行过程中所产生的下肢生物力学变化及差异,探讨新型设计的LW在早期内侧间室骨关节炎康复治疗中的应用价值。方法:采用英国Vicon三维步态分析系统配合Kislter测力台分别测评30例早期内侧间室型膝骨性关节炎患者在佩戴传统LW(楔形角5°)、新型带足弓支撑的LW(楔形角5°)及无佩戴任何矫形器(测试过程中均穿标准鞋)3种不同条件下的下肢关节运动学、动力学及时间空间参数变化。结果:相较于未佩戴任何矫形鞋垫情况,佩戴2种LW后膝关节载荷(膝关节内翻力矩,膝关节内翻角冲量)均显著降低(P<0.05)。此外,佩戴传统的LW后患者步行过程中踝关节外翻角度、外翻力矩及地面反作用力内侧方向较其他2种方式明显增加(P<0.05),而佩戴新型LW后下肢前进角度较其他2种方式显著增加(P<0.05)。结论:两种不同设计的LW均有助于缓解早期内侧间室型膝骨性关节炎患者运动过程中的膝关节载荷,且未见明显差异。但相较于传统外侧楔形矫形鞋垫,带有足弓支撑设计的矫形鞋垫佩戴后更为舒适,且不会引起踝关节内侧应力的增加。     

膝骨关节炎患者股四头肌功能水平及髋关节步态运动学特征分析

目的:观察中老年膝骨关节炎(KOA)患者股四头肌功能水平及步行过程中髋关节的运动学特征。方法:选取18例KOA患者为KOA组,8例无KOA者为对照组,2组的年龄、身高、体重和身体质量指数(BMI值)相匹配。2组受试者均进行等速肌力测试、无线表面肌电测试及步态测试,测试及比较2组股四头肌峰力矩(PT值)、股内侧肌(VM)、股外侧肌(VL)和股直肌(RF)的积分肌电值(iEMG)、均方根值(RMS)、平均功率频率(MPF)及峰值髋内收、外展角度等和步行中髋关节的运动学特征,将股四头肌肌力与髋关节运动学特征进行相关性分析。结果:KOA组股四头肌等长和等速运动时PT值较对照组显著下降(P<0.01),VL在60°/s等速收缩时表面肌电信号RMS值显著高于对照组(P<0.05),RF在180°/s等速收缩时表面肌电信号RMS值显著高于对照组(P<0.01),步行时峰值髋关节内收及外展角度显著低于对照组(P<0.05),股四头肌肌力与髋关节运动学特征无相关。结论:KOA组较对照组股四头肌肌力显著降低,活动时神经支配效率显著下降,且步行过程中峰值髋内收、外展角度显著减少,股四...     

膝骨关节炎模型内侧副韧带的生物力学特性

背景:膝骨关节炎多由力学和理化因素导致软骨基质退变而引起。目前对发病的理化因素和软骨基质的退变研究较多,力学研究较少。目的:观察兔膝骨关节炎模型内侧副韧带拉伸力学性质的改变。方法:左后肢伸直位石膏固定制动法建立兔模型。在BoseElectroForce3300疲劳试验机上对正常对照组和模型组各6个试样进行拉伸实验。拉伸实验的速度为5mm/min,计算机每0.1s自动记录一个数据,直到将试样拉断。结果与结论:正常对照组最大应力为(17.92±3.18)MPa,最大应变为(10.7±2.07)%,最大位移为(2.76±0.37)mm,弹性模量(316.19±74.55)MPa;模型组最大应力为(11.34±1.05)MPa,最大应变为(7.97±1.65)%,最大位移为(2.08±0.31)mm,弹性模量(279.77±33.91)MPa。正常对照组各项拉伸性能指标显著大于模型组(P<0.05)。提示膝骨关节炎对膝关节韧带的生物力学特性具有一定影响。     

Signatures of knee osteoarthritis in women in the temporal and fractal dynamics of human gait

BackgroundOsteoarthritis of the knee is characterized by progressive cartilage deterioration causing pain and function loss. Symptoms develop late with limited disease-modifying opportunities. Osteoarthritis is a major cause of immobility, with a higher prevalence above 60 years. This age-related increase in prevalence is further amplified by the female gender. Imaging and biochemical analyses for detection of osteoarthritis of the knee are expensive and labor-intensive. Continuous movement tracking could aid in detecting onset and/or worsening of symptoms.MethodsWe used portable technology to investigate kinematic differences in female patients with knee osteoarthritis, weight-matched healthy female volunteers and obese female patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Knee osteoarthritis was established radiographically and corroborated using magnetic resonance imaging.FindingsThe total amount, type and level of activity did not differ significantly between groups. The temporal activity pattern during the day was however significantly different with a bimodal signature in healthy volunteers only. Sequence analyses revealed more time to recuperate after dynamic activity in both patient groups. Analysis of walking bouts revealed significant differences in stride interval dynamics, indicative of gait naturalness, only in healthy volunteers. Temporal activity, sequence and walking patterns were independent of body weight.InterpretationWe thus provide for the first-time evidence of temporal specific kinematic signatures in amount and quality of movement also in stride interval dynamics between people with and without osteoarthritis of the knee independent of body weight. These findings could allow early and non-intrusive diagnosis of osteoarthritis enabling concordant treatment.     

佩带膝外翻支具膝骨关节炎患者膝关节的生物力学变化

背景：佩带膝关节外翻矫形器已被证明是一种可以有效减轻内侧间室膝骨关节炎患者疼痛的方法,但是佩带矫形器后的膝关节所产生的运动学以及动力学变化至今尚不明确。目的：观察内侧间室膝骨关节炎患者佩带膝关节矫形器前后的膝关节运动学以及动力学参数变化,便于为将来设计新型膝关节矫形器提供依据。方法：纳入20例内侧间室膝骨关节炎患者,分别通过三维步态分析系统和测力板对其在佩带膝外翻矫形器及不佩带膝外翻矫形器两种情况步行中的运动学及动力学参数进行采集,并进行对比。结果与结论：相比未佩带膝关节外翻支具,佩带膝关节外翻支具后患者在步行过程中膝关节内收力矩明显减小,与此同时膝关节内翻角度明显减小,外翻角度明显增加（P均〈0.05）,膝关节在步行过程中的最大屈曲角度以及时间空间参数差异无显著性意义。提示膝关节外翻矫形器可有效地通过增加内侧间室膝骨关节炎患者膝关节在步行过程中的外翻角度减小内翻角度从而降低膝内侧间室所承受的压力,与此同时纠正膝关节非正常对线。     

佩带膝外翻支具膝骨关节炎患者膝关节的生物力学变化

背景:佩带膝关节外翻矫形器已被证明是一种可以有效减轻内侧间室膝骨关节炎患者疼痛的方法,但是佩带矫形器后的膝关节所产生的运动学以及动力学变化至今尚不明确。目的:观察内侧间室膝骨关节炎患者佩带膝关节矫形器前后的膝关节运动学以及动力学参数变化,便于为将来设计新型膝关节矫形器提供依据。方法:纳入20例内侧间室膝骨关节炎患者,分别通过三维步态分析系统和测力板对其在佩带膝外翻矫形器及不佩带膝外翻矫形器两种情况步行中的运动学及动力学参数进行采集,并进行对比。结果与结论:相比未佩带膝关节外翻支具,佩带膝关节外翻支具后患者在步行过程中膝关节内收力矩明显减小,与此同时膝关节内翻角度明显减小,外翻角度明显增加(P均<0.05),膝关节在步行过程中的最大屈曲角度以及时间空间参数差异无显著性意义。提示膝关节外翻矫形器可有效地通过增加内侧间室膝骨关节炎患者膝关节在步行过程中的外翻角度减小内翻角度从而降低膝内侧间室所承受的压力,与此同时纠正膝关节非正常对线。     

APOS therapy improves clinical measurements and gait in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Background

The purpose of the study was to investigate the changes in gait patterns and clinical measurements following treatment with a novel biomechanical device on patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

Forty six patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis were analyzed. Patients completed a gait test, Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire and SF-36 Health Survey at baseline and after 12 weeks. The biomechanical device was individually calibrated to each patient at baseline to allow training under reduced pain.

Findings

Gait velocity, step length and single limb support improved significantly and toe out angle decreased significantly (10%, 6%, 1% and 2%, respectively). WOMAC-Pain and WOMAC-Function significantly decreased (26% and 34%, respectively), and SF-36 score significantly increased following the 12 weeks of treatment.

Interpretation

Our results suggest an overall improvement in the gait patterns, level of pain and level of function of patients with knee osteoarthritis following 12 weeks of treatment with the novel biomechanical device.The study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT00767780, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00767780.     

Correlations among measures of knee stiffness,gait performance and complaints in individuals with knee osteoarthritis

Background

Stiffness is a common complaint in individuals with knee osteoarthritis and is a component of the osteoarthritis diagnosis. Yet the relationship between stiffness and function is poorly understood and methods to quantify stiffness are limited.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional observational design with 66 subjects with knee osteoarthritis, stiffness and damping coefficients were calculated from a relaxed knee oscillation procedure. Gait parameters were measured using an electronic walkway. Self-reported pain, stiffness, and function were measured with the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index. Correlation and Alexander's normalized-t approximation analyses were used to assess associations among the variables. Subset analysis was performed on subjects with and without tibiofemoral joint crepitus.

Findings

Slight to moderate correlations existed between stiffness and damping coefficients and most gait parameters ((| r | = 0.30–0.56; P < .05) and between Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index scores and all gait parameters (| r | = 0.35–0.62; P < .05). The damping coefficient was only slightly associated with patient-rated Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index stiffness subscale scores. Subset analysis revealed significant correlations that differed between those with and without crepitus.

Interpretation

These findings suggest that laboratory measured stiffness and damping coefficients, Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index scores and gait-related measurements assess different aspects related to movement in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Stiffness and damping coefficients may offer the ability to explain gait changes in the knee that are independent of a person's perceptions particularly in the early stages of the disease.     

The role of knee joint moments and knee impairments on self-reported knee pain during gait in patients with knee osteoarthritis

BackgroundThe association between high mechanical knee joint loading during gait with onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis has been extensively studied. However, less attention has been given to risk factors related to increased pain during gait. The purpose of this study was to evaluate knee joint moments and clinical characteristics that may be associated with gait-related knee pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis.MethodsSixty-seven participants with knee osteoarthritis were stratified into three groups of no pain (n = 18), mild pain (n = 27), or moderate/severe pain (n = 22) based on their self-reported symptoms during gait. All participants underwent three-dimensional gait analysis. Quadriceps strength, knee extension range of motion, radiographic knee alignment and self-reported measures of global pain and function were also quantified.FindingsThe moderate/severe pain group demonstrated worse global pain (P < 0.01) and physical function scores (P < 0.01) compared to the no pain and the mild pain groups. The moderate/severe pain group also walked with greater knee flexion moments during the midstance phase of gait compared to the no pain group (P = 0.02). Additionally, the moderate/severe pain group demonstrated greater varus knee malalignment (P = 0.009), which was associated with higher weight acceptance peak knee adduction moments (P = 0.003) and worse global pain (P = 0.003) and physical function scores (P = 0.006).InterpretationGreater knee flexion moment is present during the midstance phase of gait in patients with knee osteoarthritis and moderate/severe pain during gait. Additionally, greater varus malalignment may be a sign of increased global knee joint dysfunction that can influence many activities of daily living beyond gait.