Comparison of gait biomechanics in patients with and without knee osteoarthritis during different phases of gait cycle

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in temporal and spatial parameters in patients with and without knee osteoarthritis (OA) during different phases of gait cycle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, two groups were taken, OA group and healthy group. OA group consisted of 25 females suffering from knee OA (mean age 60.04 ± 5.74 years; mean height 150.44 ± 5.88 cm; mean weight 63.76 ± 7.28 kg), and healthy group consisted of 25 females (mean age 50.56 ± 7.03 years; mean height 155.16 ± 4.08 cm; mean weight 61.77 ± 12.03 kg). Both OA and healthy groups were assessed for temporal and spatial gait parameters by Zebris FDM Treadmill analysis system. RESULTS: Mann–Whitney U-test was used to compare the results of the study groups. Significant differences were found in the following variables – left stance phase (%), right stance phase (%), right load response (%), right mid stance (%), right preswing (%), left swing phase (%), right swing phase(%), double stance (%), right and left foot rotation (degrees), and cadence (steps/min). CONCLUSION: The spatial and temporal differences between patients with knee OA and healthy elderly females suggest that patients with knee OA adopt different strategies to reduce impact on knees. Gait dysfunction can be evaluated by assessing the various gait parameters, and treatment progression can be done in patients with knee OA. The assessment of gait by Zebris FDM Treadmill analysis system is a simple way which is done objectively.

Keywords

• gait
• knee osteoarthritis
• spatial parameters
• temporal