Lower Limb Biomechanics in Response to Unexpected Walking Surface Translations During Gait in Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Comparison Study to Healthy Asymptomatic Individuals

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting mobility and function. Walking surface perturbations unpredictably challenge individuals to test joint function. Thesis’ objectives were to determine the response of the lower limb after experiencing a 3cm medial perturbation through the analysis of the support moment and leg stiffness. Thirty-five individuals with knee osteoarthritis and thirty-five older adults underwent a perturbation protocol using a dual-belt instrumented treadmill while data on knee motion and ground reaction forces were collected. Support moment outcomes demonstrated that both groups required more support to maintain walking in response to a 3 cm medial perturbation. Further, both groups utilized a reorganized control strategy with dominating ankle contribution. Leg stiffness outcomes supported that both groups required more leg stiffness to maintain stability with an increase in leg stiffness indicating an adjustment to increase functional performance. Overall, both groups responded to walking perturbations with similar lower extremity responses.