Modern gait analysis offers a unique means to measure the biomechanical response to diseases of the musculoskeletal system during activities of daily living. The objective of this on-going study is to quantify the biomechanical environment of the knee joint in subjects with moderate knee osteoarthritis (OA). We collected 3-D motion, ground reaction force, and electromyographic data from seven normal subjects and five subjects with moderate knee OA. There were no differences in stride characteristics or joint motion patterns between the two groups. In contrast, we found differences in knee joint kinetics between the moderate OA subjects and the normal control subjects.

The objective of this on-going study is to quantify the biomechanical environment of the knee joint in subjects with moderate knee osteoarthritis (OA). Our goal is to identify biomechanical characteristics related to treatment interventions.

The moderate knee OA patients walked with a visibly normal gait as measured by stride characteristics and joint angles. Differences were detected in the joint loading (ie adduction and flexion moments).

The biomechanical differences between normal and osteoarthritic knees will provide the basis upon which to design and evaluate non-invasive treatments for knee OA.

Subjects performed, in random order, five trials of their normal selected speed, and a fast walk (150% of the normal speed). Three-dimensional motion and force data were used to calculate three dimensional joint angles, moments and forces.

There were no differences in stride characteristics (walking speeds, stride lengths, or stride times) between the two groups. The moderate OA patients walked with normal knee joint motion patterns. In contrast, we found differences in knee joint kinetics between the moderate OA subjects and the normal control subjects. The magnitude of the adduction moment during stance was larger for the moderate OA patients at both walking speeds (p< 0.05). We also identified differences in the pattern of the flexion moment, but only at the higher walking speed (p< 0.05).

Gait analysis can provide insight into the mechanical factors of knee osteoarthritis by quantifying the dynamic loading and alignment of the knee during activities of daily living