Biomechanical strategies for successful obstacle crossing with the trailing limb in older adults with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis
Journal
Journal of Biomechanics
Journal Volume
41
Journal Issue
4
Pages
753-761
Date Issued
2008
Author(s)
Abstract
To investigate the biomechanical strategy adopted by older adults with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA) for successful obstacle crossing with the trailing limb, and to discuss its implications for fall-prevention, 15 older adults with bilateral medial compartment knee OA and 15 healthy controls were recruited to walk and cross obstacles of heights of 10%, 20%, and 30% of their leg lengths. Kinematic and kinetic data were obtained using a three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis system and forceplates. The OA group had higher trailing toe clearance than the controls. When the trailing toe was above the obstacle, the OA group showed greater swing hip abduction, yet smaller stance hip adduction, knee flexion, and ankle eversion. They showed greater pelvic anterior tilt and toe-out angle. They also exhibited greater peak knee abductor moments during early stance and at the instant when the swing toe was above the obstacle, while a greater peak hip abductor moment was found during late stance. Smaller knee extensor, yet greater hip extensor moments, were found in the OA group throughout the stance phase. In order to achieve higher toe clearance with knee OA, particular joint kinematic and kinetic strategies have been adopted by the OA group. Weakness in the hip abductors and extensors in individuals with OA may be risk factors for tripping owing to the greater demands on these muscle groups during obstacle crossing by these individuals. ? 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Subjects
Gait
Joint kinematics
Joint kinetics
Knee osteoarthritis
Obstacle crossing
SDGs
Other Subjects
Gait analysis; Joints (anatomy); Muscle; Joint kinematics; Joint kinetics; Knee osteoarthritis (OA); Motion analysis; Obstacle crossing; Biomechanics; abduction; achilles reflex; aged; article; biomechanics; clinical article; controlled study; fall risk; female; geriatric patient; human; kinematics; kinetics; knee function; knee osteoarthritis; male; priority journal; provocation test; risk factor; three dimensional imaging; Accidental Falls; Aged; Biomechanics; Female; Gait; Hip Joint; Humans; Knee Joint; Male; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Toes; Visual Fields; Walking
Type
journal article
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