Article

Gait adaptations in people with severe knee osteoarthritis (OA) have been well
documented, with increased knee adduction moments (KAM) the most commonly
reported parameter. Neuromuscular adaptations have also been reported, including
reduced postural control. However these adaptations may be the result of
morphological changes in the joint, rather than the cause.
This study aimed to
determine if people with early OA have altered gait parameters and neuromuscular
adaptations. Gait and postural tasks were performed by 18 people with early
medial knee OA and 18 age and gender-matched control subjects. Parameters
measured were kinematics and kinetics during gait and postural tasks, and centre
of pressure and electromyographic activity during postural tasks. OA subjects
showed no differences in the gait parameters measured, however they demonstrated
postural deficits during one-leg standing on both their affected and unaffected
sides and altered hip adduction moments compared with controls. Increased
activity of the gluteus medius of both sides (p<0.05), and quadriceps and
hamstrings of the affected side (p<0.05) during one-leg standing compared with
controls were also noted. This study has demonstrated that gait adaptations
commonly associated with OA do not occur in the early stages, while neuromuscular
adaptations are evident. These results may be relevant for early interventions to
delay or prevent osteoarthritis in its early stages.
CI - Copyright (c) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS