Abstract
BackgroundOsteoarthritis is a major cause of pain and disability worldwide, therefore ways of treating this condition are paramount to a successful health system. The purpose of the study was to investigate the changes in spatial-temporal gait parameters and clinical measurements following treatment with a non-invasive foot-worn biomechanical device on patients with knee osteoarthritis within the UK.MethodsA retrospective analysis was carried out on 455 patients with knee osteoarthritis. All patients were evaluated using a computerized gait test and two self-assessment questionnaires (WOMAC and SF-36) at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. The biomechanical device is a shoe-like device with convex pods under the sole that have the capability of changing foot centre of pressure and training neuromuscular control. The device was individually calibrated for each patient to minimise symptoms whilst walking and train neuromuscular control. Patients used the device for short periods during activities of daily living. Repeated measures statistical analyses were performed to compare differences over time.ResultsAfter 6 months of treatment significant improvements were seen in all gait parameters (p < 0.01). Specifically, gait velocity, step length and single limb support of the more symptomatic knee improved by 13, 7.8 and 3%, respectively. These were supported by significant improvements in pain, function and quality of life (48.6, 45.7 and 22% respectively; p < 0.001). A sub-group analysis revealed no baseline differences between those who were recommended joint replacement and those who were not. Both groups improved significantly over time (p < 0.05 for all).ConclusionsOur results suggest that the personalised biomechanical treatment can improve gait patterns, pain, function and quality of life. It may provide an additional solution to managing UK patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis but needs to be tested in a controlled setting first.
Highlights
Osteoarthritis is a major cause of pain and disability worldwide, ways of treating this condition are paramount to a successful health system
As well as the associated issues of surgical intervention, there is evidence based on using patient reported outcome measures (PROM’s), that some patients experience chronic knee pain, functional disability, and poor quality of life after Total knee replacement (TKR) [8]
There was a significant improvement in Knee Osteoarthritis Function Grade (KOFG) between baseline and 3 months follow-up (p < 0.001), with retained improvements at 6 months
Summary
Osteoarthritis is a major cause of pain and disability worldwide, ways of treating this condition are paramount to a successful health system. As well as the associated issues of surgical intervention, there is evidence based on using patient reported outcome measures (PROM’s), that some patients experience chronic knee pain, functional disability, and poor quality of life after TKR [8]. It is suggested approximately 18% of patients report the outcomes of their surgery as only fair or poor, with a small proportion of these experiencing complications [9]. Patients following TKR often continue to have altered muscular activity, a possible contributor to symptoms remaining unaddressed
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