Article

The goal of this study was to determine if increasing strength in
primary knee extensors and flexors would directly affect net knee joint moments
during a common functional task in persons with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS:
An exploratory single sample clinical trial with pre-post treatment measures was
used to study volunteers with clinical diagnosis of mild knee osteoarthritis (OA)
in one knee. Subjects participated in an individually supervised training program
3 times a week for eight weeks consisting of progressive resistive exercises for
knee extensors and knee flexors. Pre and post training outcome assessments
included: 1. Net internal knee joint moments, 2. Electromyography of primary knee
extensors and flexors, and 3. Self-report measures of knee pain and function. The
distribution of lower extremity joint moments as a percent of the total support
moment was also investigated. FINDINGS: Pain, symptoms, activities of daily life,
quality of life, stiffness, and function scores showed significant improvement
following strength training. Knee internal valgus and hip internal rotation
moments showed increasing but non-statistically significant changes
post-training. There were no significant differences in muscle co-contraction
activation of the Quadriceps and Hamstrings. INTERPRETATION: While exercise
continues to be an important element of OA management, the results of this study
suggest improvements in function, pain, and other symptoms, as a result of
strength training may not be causally related to specific biomechanical changes
in net joint moments.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS