Coronal knee moments of asymptomatic elderly individuals during gait: Preliminary study

Abstract

IntroductionJoint moments are explained by the forces that occur during gait and generate a movement in the joint. The maximum peak adduction moment (MPM) of the knee has been associated with osteoarthritis (OA). In Colombia, however, there are no references to these values for clinical use in an asymptomatic population. ObjectiveTo describe the characteristics of joint moments in the coronal plane of the knee of asymptomatic elderly whilst walking. Materials and methodsThis is a descriptive study that included 50 participants of both genders and older than 60 years old. They were residents of the metropolitan area del Valle de Aburrá that had volunteered and were capable of following indications without any external aids while walking, and with no pain. Gait analysis was performed when walking at a normal speed on a 6m pathway on two force plates, and was registered by a system of 8 opto-electric 3D recording cameras. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20. ResultsA mean BMI of 26.34kg/m2 was found, and the mean of the MPM was 0.26Nm/kg, generating a graph with two peaks, with the first being of greater magnitude that occurred in 17% of the gait cycle. ConclusionsThe MPM of 0.26Nm/kg found in this population is lower than that reported in the osteoarthritis population. A reference curve for gait analysis has been established in these asymptomatic elderly. It is essential that these values are available, in order to help the professional to make precise and quantitative diagnoses in gait alterations.