Bilateral Knee Strength Asymmetry and Functional Performance in Older Women With Osteoarthritis (STASFP-OA)

Kocaeli Sağlık ve Teknoloji Üniversitesi

Status: Completed

Conditions: Postmenopausal Women; Isokinetic Test; Knee Osteoarthristis; Muscle Strenght; Functional Performance

Treatments: Other: Isokinetic Strength Testing

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07261540

KOSTU-25-OA-02

Details and patient eligibility

About

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the knees and becomes more prevalent with age. In individuals over 50, particularly those with bilateral knee osteoarthritis, it leads to chronic pain, limited mobility, and functional decline. This condition worsens due to muscle strength imbalances, especially in the quadriceps and hamstrings. These imbalances are triggered by pain, joint instability, and cartilage damage, which negatively impact muscle strength and coordination. In women, these asymmetries are more pronounced, increasing the risk of functional decline.

Recent studies highlight the significant role of strength asymmetry in functional limitations, affecting balance, gait, and daily activities. This study aims to investigate the impact of bilateral quadriceps and hamstring strength asymmetries on dynamic balance, gait efficiency, and functional mobility in older women with bilateral knee osteoarthritis.

The study aims to examine the effects of bilateral strength asymmetries in the knee extensors and flexors on dynamic balance, gait efficiency, and overall mobility in older women with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. We hypothesize that greater strength asymmetry will be associated with impaired dynamic balance, reduced gait efficiency, and decreased functional mobility.

Full description

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that commonly affects the knee, especially in individuals over 50. It leads to pain, reduced mobility, and functional decline. In bilateral knee OA, muscle imbalances, especially in the quadriceps and hamstrings, worsen functional limitations and increase the risk of falls. These imbalances are caused by pain, joint instability, and cartilage damage, affecting muscle strength and coordination. In older women, these issues are more pronounced, increasing their risk of functional decline compared to men.

Emerging research highlights the role of muscle strength asymmetry (differences between the left and right leg) in functional difficulties, such as poor balance, walking issues, and difficulty with daily tasks. This study aims to explore how these muscle imbalances in knee extensors and flexors impact overall functional abilities, such as balance and walking efficiency in women with bilateral knee OA.

The study seeks to examine how bilateral strength asymmetry in the knee muscles affects dynamic balance, gait efficiency, and mobility in older women with knee osteoarthritis. The hypothesis is that greater muscle imbalance will lead to worse balance, slower walking, and reduced mobility.

Enrollment: 20 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 50+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• women gender
• aged 50 years or older
• diagnosed with bilateral knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade II-III),
• capable of independent walking without assistive devices.

Exclusion criteria

• severe knee osteoarthritis requiring total knee arthroplasty
• neurological conditions affecting gait or balance
• severe musculoskeletal disorders
• uncontrolled systemic diseases
• cognitive impairments (Mini-Mental State Examination < 24)

Trial design

20 participants in 1 patient group

Study Group

Description:

Patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis who met the inclusion criteria underwent a single laboratory assessment involving isokinetic strength testing, pain evaluation, dynamic balance assessment, and functional mobility tests. Isokinetic strength testing was performed on both knees of the patients.All assessments took 1 hour in total for each patient.

Treatment:

Other: Isokinetic Strength Testing