Knee Adduction Moment Research Articles

Influencing factors analysis of asymmetry in knee adduction moment among patients with unilateral knee osteoarthritis

BackgroundThe knee adduction moment(KAM) of both lower limbs in patients with unilateral knee osteoarthritis(KOA) exhibits asymmetry during walking, but the factors influencing this asymmetry remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the influencing factors of KAM asymmetry in patients with unilateral KOA.MethodsA total of 148 patients with unilateral medial compartment KOA were selected for this retrospective study, and general data such as gender, age, and duration of disease were collected. The hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle, degree of pain, and knee-extension muscle strength on the affected side were assessed through radiographic outcomes, the visual analog scale(VAS), and the Biodex isokinetic system. The peak KAM of both lower limbs was analyzed using a BTS motion-capture system and force platform. The asymmetry index(ASI) of KAM was calculated, and the patients were further categorized into the KAM symmetry group(ASI value ≤ 10%) and the KAM asymmetry group(ASI value>10%).Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to analyze the factors influencing the asymmetry of KAM.Results90 patients were categorized into the KAM asymmetry group, representing 60.8% of the cohort. A significant difference in the ASI value of KAM was observed between the two groups. Correlation analysis identified nine factors, including sex, age, and BMI, that were positively correlated with the ASI value of KAM. In contrast, knee-extension muscle strength and per-capita monthly household income were negatively correlated with the ASI value of KAM. Regression analysis revealed that being female(OR = 1.752), older age(OR = 2.472), increased BMI(OR = 1.535), larger varus angle(OR = 3.965), higher VAS score(OR = 2.617), Kellgren-Lawrence(K-L) grade IV(OR = 4.474), history of knee joint trauma(OR = 5.684), and living in a rural location(OR = 1.554) increased the risk of KAM asymmetry. Conversely, increased knee-extension muscle strength(OR = 0.758) and a per-capita monthly household income of 3000 ~ 6000 yuan(OR = 0.814) decreased the risk of KAM asymmetry.ConclusionFemale gender, older age, increased BMI, larger varus angle, higher VAS score, K-L grade IV, history of knee joint trauma, and living in a rural location are identified as risk factors for KAM asymmetry. Conversely, increased knee-extension muscle strength and a per-capita monthly household income of 3000 ~ 6000 yuan serve as protective factors against this asymmetry.

Efficacy of tissue-bone homeostasis manipulation on the gait and knee function for the patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) was characterized by pain and limited joint function, which seriously affected the quality of life of patients. The vast majority of KOA was closely related to degeneration of the patellofemoral joint and abnormal patellar movement trajectory. Tissue-bone homeostasis manipulation (TBHM) could correct abnormal patellar movement trajectory on the basis of loosening soft tissue. However, there was little strong evidence to verify its efficacy on the patients with KOA. The study objective was to explore the efficacy of the TBHM on gait and knee function in the patients with KOA. Sixty KOA patients were randomly assigned to either the joint mobilization (n = 30) or TBHM (n = 30) group. The joint mobilization group received joint mobilization, while the TBHM group received TBHM. For two groups, the patients participated in 30min rehabilitation sessions thrice per week for 12weeks. The primary outcome was biomechanical gait outcomes during walking, including step length, step velocity, double support, knee range of motion (ROM), and knee adduction moment (KAM). The secondary outcomes were the Western Ontario and McMaster Index (WOMAC) and 36-Item short- form health survey (SF-36), which reflected improvements in knee function and quality of life, respectively. At baseline and 12weeks, evaluations were conducted and compared between groups. After a 12-week intervention, significant group differences were observed in KAM (p = 0.018), WOMAC-Pain (p = 0.043) and WOMAC-Stiffness (p = 0.026). A noteworthy finding was the presence of a significant interaction effect between group and time specifically observed in step velocity during gait (p = 0.046), WOMAC-Function (p = 0.013) and SF-36 (p = 0.027). Further analysis revealed a significant difference in step velocity (p = 0.034), WOMAC-Function (p = 0.025) and SF-36 (p = 0.042) during post-assessment between the two groups. Moreover, a significant time effect was observed across all outcomes of the two groups (p < 0.05). The TBHM intervention has better improved the gait, knee function, and quality of life in the patients with KOA. ITMCTR, ITMCTR2200005507. Registered 06/01/2022, http://itmctr.ccebtcm.org.cn/zh-CN/Home/ProjectView?pid=09cdadad-0aef-41ee-81bd-a8dceb63f7f5 .

Effect of Unanticipated Tasks on Side-Cutting Stability of Lower Extremity with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common causes of anterior knee pain encountered in the outpatient setting. The purpose of this study was to compare the lower limb biomechanical differences during anticipated and unanticipated side-cutting in athletes with PFPS. Fifteen male basketball players diagnosed with PFPS were enrolled in the study. Participants executed both anticipated and unanticipated 45-degree side-cutting tasks. Motion analysis systems, force plates, and electromyography (EMG) were used to assess the lower limb joint angles, joint moments, joint stiffness, and patellofemoral joint contact forces. Analyzed biomechanical data were used to compare the differences between the two circumstances. Unanticipated side-cutting resulted in significantly increased ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion angles, knee abduction and internal rotation angles, and hip abduction angles, as well as heightened knee adduction moments. Additionally, patellofemoral joint contact forces and stress increased, while contact area decreased during unanticipated tasks. Unanticipated movement raises the demands for joint stability and neuromuscular control, increasing injury risks in athletes with PFPS. These findings have practical implications for developing targeted rehabilitation programs and injury prevention strategies.

Effects of increasing walking cadence on gait biomechanics in adults with knee osteoarthritis

Gait retraining is a strategy to manage altered loading patterns and pain characteristic of knee osteoarthritis. Lower walking cadence is associated with higher knee joint loading, vertical ground reaction forces, and risk for cartilage worsening. Therefore, we determined the acute effects of increasing walking cadence on measures of lower extremity loading and knee pain in knee osteoarthritis. Twenty-five participants with knee osteoarthritis (age = 62.5 ± 7.2; 76.0 % female) walked at fixed speed on an instrumented treadmill from which baseline cadence was measured. Five, randomized experimental cadence conditions (2 %, 4 %, 6 %, 8 %, or 10 % over baseline cadence) were completed. Real-time auditory and visual feedback on cadence was provided while kinematics and ground reaction forces were sampled. Linear mixed effects models evaluated the effect of cadence on knee adduction and flexion moment peaks and impulses, impact loading metrics (vertical ground reaction force impact peak, vertical average and instantaneous loading rates), and knee pain. Increasing cadence by 2–10 % did not significantly change knee adduction moment peaks or impulse. Peak knee flexion moment increased by 3–32 % and knee flexion moment impulse reduced by 2–9 % with increases in cadence, but these results were not significant (peak knee flexion moment, p = 0.070; knee flexion moment impulse, p = 0.085). Increasing cadence significantly increased the vertical impact peak (p < 0.001), and the vertical average (p = 0.010), and instantaneous (p = 0.007) loading rates. Small increases in cadence at a fixed gait speed does not significantly change surrogate measures of knee joint loading or pain, but does increase measures of impact loading.

The Effectiveness of Massage on Pain, External Knee Adduction Moment, and Muscle Co-contraction in Individuals with Medial Compartment Knee Osteoarthritis

BackgroundThe pain, external knee adduction moment (EKAM), and muscle co-contraction are increased in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Massage therapy decreases pain in KOA, yet KOA is a mechanical disease and biomechanical changes need to be investigated as well. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the effectiveness of massage on these outcomes in individuals with medial KOA. MethodsA cohort of fifteen participants with confirmed medial compartment KOA (2 males, 13 females, age: 61.33 (6.16) years; height: 1.62 (0.06) m; mass: 65.39 (4.04) kg; BMI: 24.74 (4.04) kg/m2) was given a six-week massage. Outcomes assessed pre- and post-intervention were: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, temporal-spatial variables, knee joint kinematics and kinetics in sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes, vertical ground reaction force (GRF), and knee antagonist muscle co-contraction during gait. The paired t-test were used for statistical analysis. ResultsFifteen participants completed the study. Significant improvements were observed in WOMAC scores (pain, stiffness, function, and total), walking speed, step length, 1st peak GRF, sagittal plane knee joint range of motion during stance, and medial muscle co-contraction in early and mid-stance (p<0.05). However, no significant change was found in EKAM and knee adduction angular impulse (KAAI) (p>0.05). ConclusionMassage therapy, as a stand-alone treatment, reduces pain, improves function, and decreases medial muscle co-contraction in individuals with medial KOA. Although EKAM did not change, the results suggest a reduction in medial muscle co-contraction might be a mechanism by which pain is improved.

The Impact of Contralateral Cane Placement on the External Knee Adduction Moment

The Impact of Contralateral Cane Placement on the External Knee Adduction Moment

The influence of knee position during static calibration trials on evaluation of knee loading during gait in individual with medial knee osteoarthritis

Quantitative three-dimensional gait analysis has been used to evaluate the loading at the knee (i.e. external knee adduction moment, EKAM) during level ground walking in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The magnitude of EKAM can be influenced by some factors, such as knee marker position and foot placement angles in static calibration trials, which may lead to inaccurate functional assessments and intervention planning. This study aimed to clarify the effects of knee position during static calibration trials on the evaluation of knee loading during gait in individuals with medial knee OA. Seventeen individuals with medial knee OA completed three different static standing trials; (1) knee flexed at 0 degrees, (2) knee flexed at 15 degrees, and (3) knee flexed at 30 degrees before walking at their self-selected speed. A sixteen-camera three-dimensional VICON gait analysis system with four AMTI force platforms was used to collect the EKAM, knee adduction angular impulse (KAAI), knee joint center (KJC), and other knee kinematic and kinetic variables during gait. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to investigate the differences between conditions. The 1st peak of EKAM, the 1st peak EKAM arm, KAAI, and knee extension moment were significantly increased at the 15-degree and 30-degree conditions in comparison with the 0-degree condition (P < 0.05). Additionally, the knee flexion moment and knee external rotation moment were significantly reduced at the 15-degree and 30-degree conditions in comparison with the 0-degree condition (P < 0.05). All biomechanical variables were influenced by the localization of the KJC during static calibration trials. The changes in knee position during static trials significantly affected the 1st peak EKAM, KAAI, and other knee kinematics and kinetics variables during gait. Therefore, future studies should consider keeping the participants’ knees in a consistent position during static trials between visits, as the variations in knee position could mask or exaggerate the differences between groups and interventions.

Sex Differences in Ambulatory Biomechanics: A Meta-Analysis Providinga Mechanistic Insight into Knee Osteoarthritis.

Females typically present with a higher prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and such a higher prevalence may be due to unique knee biomechanics during walking. However, the sex-dependent ambulatory mechanics has been yet to be clarified. To address this critical knowledge gap, this study implemented a series of computational approaches (1) to identify sex-related knee joint biomechanics during ambulation in persons with KOA and (2) to compare these biomechanical measures between individuals with vs. without KOA, stratified by sex. We searched five electronic databases for studies reporting sex-specific knee biomechanics in persons with and/or without KOA. Summary estimates were computed using random-effects meta-analysis and stratified by sex. The systematic review identified eighteen studies (308 males and 383 females with KOA; 740 males and 995 females without KOA). A series of meta-analyses identified female-specific knee biomechanics in a disease-dependent manner. Females with KOA had lower first peak knee adduction moment and peak knee adduction compared to male counterparts. On the other hand, healthy females had lower peak knee flexion moment than male counterparts. Effect estimate in each meta-analysis display poor quality of evidence according to the GRADE approach. The current study is the first to consider sex as a biological variable into ambulatory mechanics in the development of KOA. We discovered that sex-dependent alterations in knee biomechanics is a function of the presence of KOA, indicating that KOA disease may be a driver of the sex-dependent biomechanical alterations or vice versa. Although no strong conclusion can be drawn because of the low quality of evidence, these findings provide new insight into the sex differences in ambulatory knee biomechanics and progression of KOA.

The role of limb alignment on natural tibiofemoral kinematics and kinetics.

This study aimed to analyze kinematics and kinetics of the tibiofemoral joint in healthy subjects with valgus, neutral, and varus limb alignment throughout multiple gait activities using dynamic videofluoroscopy. Five subjects with valgus, 12 with neutral, and ten with varus limb alignment were assessed during multiple complete cycles of level walking, downhill walking, and stair descent using a combination of dynamic videofluoroscopy, ground reaction force plates, and optical motion capture. Following 2D/3D registration, tibiofemoral kinematics and kinetics were compared between the three limb alignment groups. No significant differences for the rotational or translational patterns between the different limb alignment groups were found for level walking, downhill walking, or stair descent. Neutral and varus aligned subjects showed a mean centre of rotation located on the medial condyle for the loaded stance phase of all three gait activities. Valgus alignment, however, resulted in a centrally located centre of rotation for level and downhill walking, but a more medial centre of rotation during stair descent. Knee adduction/abduction moments were significantly influenced by limb alignment, with an increasing knee adduction moment from valgus through neutral to varus. Limb alignment was not reflected in the condylar kinematics, but did significantly affect the knee adduction moment. Variations in frontal plane limb alignment seem not to be a main modulator of condylar kinematics. The presented data provide insights into the influence of anatomical parameters on tibiofemoral kinematics and kinetics towards enhancing clinical decision-making and surgical restoration of natural knee joint motion and loading.

Evolving cartilage strain with pain progression and gait: a longitudinal study post-ACL reconstruction at six and twelve months.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are prevalent musculoskeletal conditions often resulting in long-term degenerative outcomes such as osteoarthritis (OA). Despite surgical advances in ACL reconstruction, a significant number of patients develop OA within ten years post-surgery, providing a patient population that may present early markers of cartilage degeneration detectable using noninvasive imaging. This study aims to investigate the temporal evolution of cartilage strain and relaxometry post-ACL reconstruction using displacement under applied loading MRI and quantitative MRI. Specifically, we examined the correlations between MRI metrics and pain, as well as knee loading patterns during gait, to identify early candidate markers of cartilage degeneration. Twenty-five participants (female/male = 15/10; average age = 25.6 yrs) undergoing ACL reconstruction were enrolled in a prospective longitudinal cohort study between 2022 and 2023. MRI scans were conducted at 6- and 12-months post-surgery, assessing T2, T2*, and T1ρ relaxometry values, and intratissue cartilage strain. Changes in pain were evaluated using standard outcome scores, and gait analysis assessed the knee adduction moment (KAM). Regressions were performed to evaluate relationships between MRI metrics in cartilage contact regions, patient-reported pain, and knee loading metrics. Increases in axial and transverse strains in the tibial cartilage were significantly correlated with increased pain, while decreases in shear strain were associated with increased pain. Changes in strain metrics were also significantly related to KAM at12 months. Changes in cartilage strain and relaxometry are related to heightened pain and altered knee loading patterns, indicating potential early markers of osteoarthritis progression. These findings underscore the importance of using advanced MRI for early monitoring in ACL-reconstructed patients to optimize treatment outcomes, while also highlighting KAM as a modifiable intervention through gait retraining that may positively impact the evolution of cartilage health and patient pain. Increased axial and transverse strains in the tibial cartilage from 6 to 12 months post-ACL reconstruction were significantly correlated with increased pain, suggesting evolving changes in cartilage biomechanical properties over time.Decreases in shear strain in inner femoral and central tibial cartilage regions were linked to increased pain, indicating alterations in joint loading patterns.Decreases in shear strain in the inner femoral cartilage were significantly associated with decreased 12-month knee adduction moment (KAM), a surrogate for medial cartilage knee loading during walking.

Gait Differences in the Non-affected Limb Among People With Mild-to-Moderate Unilateral Hip Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Study With 12 Months Follow-up

OBJECTIVE: To identify progressive biomechanical changes in temporospatial, kinematic, and kinetic parameters of the non-affected limb during gait in individuals with mild-to-moderate unilateral hip osteoarthritis over 12 months. DESIGN: Prospective case-control study. METHODS: Twelve participants with mild-to-moderate unilateral hip osteoarthritis and 12 healthy controls underwent gait analysis twice, 12 months apart. Both time and group effects on the biomechanical variables in the non-affected limb of hip osteoarthritis were compared. RESULTS: At 12-month follow-up, the non-affected limb of the hip osteoarthritis group exhibited increased double-limb support time ( P = .048, Cohen’s d = 0.64) and reduced knee flexion during swing ( P = .034, Cohen’s d = −0.70). Compared to controls, the hip osteoarthritis group exhibited reduced gait speed at 12-month follow-up ( P = .009, Cohen’s d = −1.19), knee adduction moment at baseline ( P = .013, Cohen’s d = −1.10) and 12-month follow-up ( P = .005, Cohen’s d = −1.27), and an increase in double-limb support time at 12-month follow-up ( P = .013, Cohen’s d = 1.11). CONCLUSION: Biomechanical deviations during walking, such as temporospatial and kinematic parameters of the non-affected limb, may indicate compensatory strategies in individuals with unilateral hip osteoarthritis. JOSPT Open 2024;2(4):322-331. Epub 4 September 2024. doi:10.2519/josptopen.2024.0357

The Effect of Static Trial on Knee Adduction Moment During Walking.

Background and aim Sophisticated technologies in rehabilitation, such as three-dimensional gait analysis, allow for measuring kinematic and kinetic variables while performing activities. The first peak external knee adduction moment (EKAM) is considered an important outcome in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and has been shown to be affected by changes in foot position in static trials. The present study aimed to explore the variables in static trials that may lead to changes in the value of the EKAM while walking. Methods Twelve individuals participated in the current study and were asked to perform three static trials as follows: 20° toe-out, straight (0°), and 20° toe-in. The participants were asked to walk five trials (their own shoes and paces). The first peak EKAM was the main study outcome and was compared between conditions. Linear regression was used to investigate which variables in the static trials significantly predicted the magnitude of change in the EKAM while walking. Results The first peak EKAM significantly decreased by 8.2% while walking when changing the foot position in static trials from 20° toe-in to 20° toe-out. The magnitude of change in the EKAM was significantly (p<0.01) predicted by the magnitude of change in the knee joint frontal plane angle, shank transverse plane angle, ankle joint frontal plane angle, and hip joint frontal plane angle during static trials between 20° toe-in and 20° toe-out. The model was able to predict 94% of the variation in the EKAM due to changes in foot position during static trials. Conclusion Modifications in foot position during static trials led to a change in the first peak EKAM while walking. Researchers should focus on controlling the knee joint frontal plane angle, shank transverse plane angle, ankle joint frontal plane angle, and hip joint frontal plane angle during static trials when conducting longitudinal or crossover studies. Controlling these variables is necessary to reduce the likelihood of the EKAM being affected by static trials and to ensure that the EKAM changes in dynamic trials are not masked or increased by static trials.

The correlation between foot centre of pressure indexes and knee adduction moment during walking with orthotic shoes

The correlation between foot centre of pressure indexes and knee adduction moment during walking with orthotic shoes

Functional Electrical Stimulation of the Lateral Knee Muscles Can Reduce Peak Knee Adduction Moment during Stepping: A Pilot Study.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is an age-dependent disease dominantly affected by mechanical loading. Balancing the forces acting on the medial knee compartment has been the focus of KOA interventions. This pilot study investigated the effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the biceps femoris and lateral gastrocnemius on reducing peak knee adduction moment (pKAM) in healthy adults and individuals with medial KOA while stepping on an instrumented elliptical system. Sixteen healthy individuals and five individuals with medial KOA stepped on the robotic stepping system, which measured footplate-reaction forces/torques and ankle kinematics and calculated 3-D knee moments in real time using inverse dynamics. Participants performed four different tasks: regular stepping without FES as the baseline condition, stepping with continuous FES of the lateral gastrocnemius (FESLG), biceps femoris (FESBF), and simultaneous FES of both lateral gastrocnemius and biceps femoris (FESLGBF), throughout the elliptical cycle. The 3-D knee moments, tibia kinematics, and footplate-reaction forces were compared between the baseline and the three FES stepping conditions. Healthy participants demonstrated lower pKAM during each of the three FES conditions compared to baseline (FESLG (p = 0.041), FESBF (p = 0.049), FESLGBF (p = 0.048)). Participants with KOA showed a trend of lower pKAM during FES, which was not statistically significant given the small sample available. Incorporating elliptical + FES as a training strategy is feasible and may help to enhance selective force generation of the targeted muscles and reduce the medial knee compartment loading.

The Estimation of Knee Medial Force with Substitution Parameters during Walking and Turning.

Knee adduction, flexion moment, and adduction angle are often used as surrogate parameters of knee medial force. To verify whether these parameters are suitable as surrogates under different walking states, we investigated the correlation between knee medial loading with the surrogates during walking and turning. Sixteen healthy subjects were recruited to complete straight walk (SW), step turn (ST), and crossover turn (CT). Knee joint moments were obtained using inverse dynamics, and knee medial force was computed using a previously validated musculoskeletal model, Freebody. Linear regression was used to predict the peak of knee medial force with the peaks of the surrogate parameters and walking speed. There was no significant difference in walking speed among these three tasks. The peak knee adduction moment (pKAM) was a significant predictor of the peak knee medial force (pKMF) for SW, ST, and CT (p < 0.001), while the peak knee flexion moment (pKFM) was only a significant predictor of the pKMF for SW (p = 0.034). The statistical analysis showed that the pKMF increased, while the pKFM and the peak knee adduction angle (pKAA) decreased significantly during CT compared to those of SW and ST (p < 0.001). The correlation analysis indicated that the knee parameters during SW and ST were quite similar. This study investigated the relationship between knee medial force and some surrogate parameters during walking and turning. KAM was still the best surrogate parameter for SW, ST, and CT. It is necessary to consider the type of movement when comparing the surrogate predictors of knee medial force, as the prediction equations differ significantly among movement types.

How boots affect the kinematics and kinetics of lower limb joints during walking compared to casual footwear

Boots are widely used by many people for various purposes, but their impact on gait biomechanics and injury risk is not well understood. This study investigated the effects of boots on walking biomechanics, compared to casual footwear. The lower limb joint kinematics and kinetics of 20 healthy male participants aged 20 to 30 years old were compared during self-paced walking with boots and shoes. The results showed that walking with boots is associated with greater hip extensor (P = 0.009) and ankle dorsiflexor (P < 0.001) moments in early stance, hip power generation (P < 0.001) and knee power absorption (P < 0.001) in early swing phase, hip abductor (P < 0.001) and knee adduction (P < 0.001) moments in the entire stance, net concentric work for the hip joint in sagittal (13.9%, P = 0.001) and frontal (21.7%, P = 0.002) planes. In contrast, the subtalar supinator moment in the entire stance (P < 0.001), ankle angular velocity in late stance (P < 0.001), and net concentric (− 42.7%, P < 0.001) and eccentric (− 44.6%, P = 0.004) works of subtalar joint were significantly lower in the boot condition. The compensatory adjustments in the hip and knee joints may result from ankle restrictions. While boots may aid those with ankle disorders, lower limb loading and the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and osteoarthritis could be increased. This study offers new perspectives on the biomechanical impact of boots on gait, potential prevention and treatment strategies of related injuries, and advancing footwear design.

Impacts of asymmetric hip rotation angle on gait biomechanics in patients with knee osteoarthritis

BackgroundKnee Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent age-related disease. The altered kinematic pattern of the knee joint as well as the adjacent joints affects to progression of knee OA. However, there is a lack of research on how asymmetry of the hip rotation angle affects the gait pattern in knee OA patients.Research questionWhat are the impacts of asymmetric hip rotation range on gait biomechanical characteristics and do the gait patterns differ between patients with knee OA and healthy elderly people?MethodsTwenty-nine female patients with knee OA and 15 healthy female elders as control group were enrolled in this study. The spatiotemporal parameters, kinematic and kinetic data during walking were measured using a three-dimensional motion capture system. The differences between knee OA and control group were analyzed using an independent t-test.ResultsThe knee OA group exhibited a significant reduction in hip internal rotation range and internal/external rotation ratio on more affected side (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found in spatiotemporal parameters except to the step width. Significant reductions were also found in kinematic parameters (pelvic lateral tilt range, sagittal angle ranges in hip, knee and ankle, knee adduction mean angle). There were also significant differences in vertical ground reaction force and knee adduction moment (p < 0.05).ConclusionsKnee OA patients have asymmetric hip rotation ranges. Especially limited hip internal rotation could lead to the reduction of pelvic lateral tilt, which may cause greater knee joint loading. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to recovery of hip rotation after knee surgery.

Influence of Internal and External Foot Rotation on Peak Knee Adduction Moments and Ankle Moments during Gait in Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of the study was to verify the effects of foot progression angle (FPA) modification during walking on the internal moments of the ankle and knee joints in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Biomechanical changes such as increased knee adduction moment (KAM) during walking are known to be involved in the development and severity of knee OA. Although various FPA modifications during gait have been applied to reduce peak KAM, few studies have investigated the effects of applying toe-in or toe-out walking modifications for knee OA on peak KAM and three-dimensional (3D) moments of the ankle joint. Kinetic moment variables were acquired from 35 individuals with medial knee compartment OA. A 3D motion analysis system and two force platforms were used to acquire KAM and 3D moments of both ankle joints during gait. Visual3D was used to obtain final moment data for statistical processing. Repeated-measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni adjustment was used to compare kinetic and kinematic values for each FPA walking condition. There was a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in first peak KAM when walking with an internal rotation foot position compared to normal foot position walking. Also, there was a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in second peak KAM when walking with an external rotation foot position compared to normal foot position walking. Compared to a normal foot position, peak ankle inversion moment of the external rotation foot position walking showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05). There were no interactive effects between FPA condition and limb sides for any KAM values (p > 0.05). The results showed no significant increase in the ankle joint moment value during gait for FPA modification conditions. Thus, the clinical implications of this study suggest that modification of the FPA in patients with OA to reduce KAM does not negatively impact the 3D ankle moments.

Impact of step width on trunk motion and gait adaptation in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis.

Step width during walking can provide important information about aging and pathology. Although knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease in elderly women, little is known about how different step widths influence gait parameters in patients with knee OA. To address this, we investigated the differences between narrower and wider step width on the center of mass (CoM) and gait biomechanics of elderly women with knee OA. Gait and CoM data were measured using a three-dimensional motion capture system and anthropometric data were acquired via standing full-limb radiography. Thirty elderly women with knee OA were divided into two groups depending on the average step width value (0.16 m). Specifically, the narrower step width group included those with a below average step width (n= 15) and the wider step width group included those with an above average step width (n= 15). The differences between the two groups were analyzed using an independentt-test. Walking speed, step length, knee and ankle sagittal excursion, and medial-lateral CoM range were significantly greater in the narrower group. In contrast, the medial-lateral CoM velocity, medial-lateral ground reaction force (GRF), and foot progression angle were significantly higher in wider group. The external knee adduction moment, vertical GRF, and vertical CoM did not differ between the groups. Our data indicate that step width in women with knee OA is associated with trunk motion and gait patterns. People with a narrower step might improve their gait function by increasing trunk frontal control to maintain gait stability. In contrast, in those with a wider step, greater toe out angle and shorter step length might be a compensatory adaptation to reduce knee loading.

Effects of overweight and obesity on lower limb walking characteristics from joint kinematics to muscle activations

BackgroundObesity is a crucial factor that increases the risk of initiating and advancing knee osteoarthritis. However, it remains unclear how obesity directly impacts the biomechanical experience of the lower limb joints, potentially triggering or exacerbating joint degeneration. This study investigated the interactive effects of BMI augmentation on lower limb kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activations during walking. MethodologyA group of 60 participants underwent a three-dimensional gait analysis. These individuals were categorized into three groups based on their body mass index (BMI): those with a BMI below 25 were classified as having a healthy weight, those with a BMI between 25 and 30 were categorized as overweight, and those with a BMI exceeding 30 were considered obese. This study analyzed the gait of 60 participants categorized by BMI. During walking trials, they recorded ground reaction forces electromyography of leg muscles like the gastrocnemii, hamstrings, and quadriceps. Lower limb joint angles and net moments were also calculated. Statistical mapping identified variations in kinematic, kinetic, and muscle activation patterns across the stance phase between BMI groups. ResultsThe results displayed distinct biomechanical patterns in obese individuals. Notably, there was a significant increase in flexion observed in the hip and knee joints (P < 0.001) during the initial stance phase and an increase in hip and knee adduction angles and moments throughout the entire stance phase (P < 0.001). Additionally, muscle activations underwent significant changes (P < 0.01), with a positive correlation noted with the BMI factor. This correlation was most pronounced during the early stance phase for the quadriceps and hamstring muscles and the late stance phase for the gastrocnemius. ConclusionThese findings represent a comprehensive picture that contributes to understanding how excess weight and obesity influence joint biomechanics, highlighting the associated risk of joint osteoarthritis.