The Effects of Knee Joint Pain and Disorders on Knee Extension Strength and Walking Ability in the Female Elderly

Hiroki Sugiura,Shinichi Demura

doi:10.4236/ape.2012.24024

Abstract

This study examines the differences in leg strength and walking ability among groups with different knee problems. The participants were 328 elderly females (60 - 94 years old; mean age 76.1 years; SD = 6.2) who were classified into three groups: those without knee pain or a knee disorder, those with knee pain, and those with a knee disorder. The subjects took knee extension strength and 12 meter maximum effort walk tests. Knee extension strength was significantly lower in the groups with knee pain and a knee disorder than in the group without pain or a knee disorder. Walking speed was significantly slower in the group with a knee disorder than in the other two groups. In conclusion, the female elderly with knee pain or a knee disorder are inferior in knee extension strength and walking ability. In addition, the elderly with a knee disorder are inferior in walking ability to the elderly with knee pain.

Highlights

Walking is the most basic movement in daily life (Pratt, 1994)
This study examines the differences in knee extension strength and walking ability among female elderly, who are divided into three groups: those without knee pain or a knee disorder, those with knee pain, and those with knee disorders
A linear comparison test of the knee non-pain and disorder (G1), knee pain (G2 + G3) and disorder (G4 + G5) groups showed that the knee disorder group is significantly heavier than the knee non-pain and disorder group

Summary

Introduction

Walking is the most basic movement in daily life (Pratt, 1994). Balance and leg joint functions are important factors related to walking. These physical functions decrease with age, and walking ability decreases with age. A decrease in walking ability increases fall occurrences (Mary & Tinetti, 2003), which greatly reduces quality of life (Sato et al, 2007; Suzuki et al, 2002). It is very important to prevent a decrease in walking functions in order to maintain independent daily life in the elderly

Methods

Results

Conclusion