Article

OBJECTIVES: To compare walking biomechanics in the most painful leg, and symmetry
in biomechanics between legs, in individuals with (1) unilateral pain and
structural osteoarthritis (OA),
(2) unilateral pain, but bilateral structural OA,
and (3) bilateral pain and structural OA and in (4) an asymptomatic control
group. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Laboratory based. PARTICIPANTS:
Participants with symptomatic and/or radiographic medial tibiofemoral OA in one
or both knees (n=91), and asymptomatic control participants (n=31).
INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:
The peak knee adduction
moment, peak knee flexion moment, knee varus-valgus angle, peak knee flexion
angle, toe-out, and trunk lean were computed from 3-dimensional analysis of
walking at a self-selected speed. RESULTS: After controlling for walking speed,
greater trunk lean toward the more painful knee and reduced flexion in the more
painful knee were observed in all OA groups compared with the control group.
Between-knee asymmetries indicating greater varus angle and a lower external
flexion moment in the painful knee were present in those with unilateral pain and
either unilateral or bilateral structural OA. Knee biomechanics were symmetrical
in those with bilateral pain and structural OA and in the pain free control
group. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of pain unilaterally appears to be associated
with asymmetries in knee biomechanics. Contrary to this, bilateral pain is
associated with symmetry. This suggests that the symptomatic status of both knees
should be considered when contemplating unilateral or bilateral biomechanical
interventions for medial knee OA.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS