The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy

The Korean Society of Physical Therapy (대한물리치료학회)
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Biomechanical Properties of the Anterior Walker Dependent Gait of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

무릎관절 골관절염 환자의 보행기 보행에서 생역학적 특성

  • Lee, In-Hee (Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dongsan Medical Center, Keimyung University) ;
  • Kwon, Gi-Hong (Division of Health and Science, Yeungnam University College of Science and Technology) ;
  • Park, Sang-Young (Department of Physical Therapy, Uiduk University)
  • 이인희 (계명대학교 동산의료원 재활의학과 물리치료실) ;
  • 권기홍 (영남이공대학교 보건과학계열) ;
  • 박상영 (위덕대학교 물리치료학과)
  • Received : 2013.09.06
  • Accepted : 2013.10.10
  • Published : 2013.10.25
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Abstract

Purpose: Osteoarthritis occurs in many different joints of the body, causing pain, stiffness, and decreased function. The knee is the most frequently affected joint of the lower limb. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences of biomechanics between independent gait and anterior walker dependent gait of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Methods: Lower limb joint kinematics and kinetics were evaluated in 15 patients with knee osteoarthritis when walking independently and when walking with an anterior walker. Participants were evaluated in a gait laboratory, with self-selected gait speed and natural arm swing. Results: When walking with a dependent anterior walker, participants walked significantly faster (p<0.01), using a longer stride length (p<0.01), compared to independent gait. When walking with a dependent anterior walker, participants exhibited significantly greater knee flexion/extension motion (p<0.01) and lower knee flexion moment (p<0.05) compared to independent gait. When walking with a dependent anterior walker, participants showed significantly greater peak ankle motion (p<0.01), ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion moments (p<0.01), and ankle power generation (p<0.05) compared to independent gait. Conclusion: These biomechanical properties of gait, observed when participants walked with a dependent anterior walker, may be a compensatory response to impaired knee function to allow sufficient power generation for propulsion. Therefore, rehabilitative strategies for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee are needed in order to improve not only knee function but also hip and ankle function.

Keywords

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