Gait adaptation differences in severe knee osteoarthritis patients versus asymptomatic contols

Abstract

Purpose: Gait adaptability is crucial in the performance of activities of daily living and the capacity to adapt to a new joint may be a predicting factor in the outcome of joint replacement surgery. Among older adults, knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is highly prevalent. It is expected that the symptoms of KOA reduce gait adaptability, but this effect varies between individuals. When patients with severe KOA undergo knee replacement surgery, a limited capacity for gait adaptation is thought to obstruct a full restoration of their gait pattern.