Article

Workers exposed to knee straining postures, such as kneeling and squatting, may
present modifications in knee gait kinematics that can make them vulnerable to
osteoarthritis. In this study, knee kinematics of workers exposed to occupational
knee straining postures (KS workers) were compared to those of non-knee straining
(non-KS) workers. Eighteen KS workers and 20 non-KS workers participated in the
study. Three-dimensional gait kinematic data were recorded at the knee using an
electromagnetic motion tracking system. The following parameters were extracted
from flexion/extension, adduction/abduction and internal/external rotation angle
data and used for group comparisons: knee angle at initial foot contact, peak
angles, minimal angles and angle range during the entire gait cycle. Group
comparisons were performed with Student t-tests. In the sagittal plane, KS
workers had a greater knee flexion angle at initial foot contact, a lower peak
knee flexion angle during the swing phase and a lower angle range than non-KS
workers (p<0.05). In the frontal plane, all parameters indicated that KS workers
had their knees more adducted than non-KS workers. External/internal rotation
range was greater for KS workers. This study provides new knowledge on work
related to KS postures and knee kinematics. The results support the concept that
KS workers might exhibit knee kinematics that are different from those of non-KS
workers.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS