Association of isometric quadriceps strength with stride and knee kinematics during gait in community dwelling adults with normal knee or early radiographic knee osteoarthritis

Background: Identifying indicators of early knee osteoarthritis is important for preventing the onset and/or progression of the disease. Although low quadriceps strength and changes in stride and knee kinematics during gait have been suggested as possible indicators, their relevance and relationships have not been fully examined. This study aimed to analyze the association of quadriceps strength with stride and knee kinematics during gait in adults with normal knee or early knee osteoarthritis.

Methods: A total of 881 knees from 474 community dwelling adults (238 males and 236 females) were included. Radiographic images of the knee in standing position were obtained, and grading of knee osteoarthritis was classified. Isometric quadriceps strength was measured using a force detector device. Three-dimensional knee kinematics during gait was obtained by a motion capture system. Sex-based difference of quadriceps strength, stride and knee kinematics during gait was evaluated by multiple comparison among grades by sex and multiple regression of quadriceps strength was analyzed by stride and knee kinematics during gait.

Findings: Stride length and quadriceps strength were significantly reduced with higher grade in both sexes, and changes in knee kinematics during gait differed by sex from early knee osteoarthritis. Quadriceps strength in both sexes was significantly correlated with changes in stride length and knee kinematics during gait.

Interpretation: Improving quadriceps strength in early knee osteoarthritis was related with maintaining gait ability and restraining abnormal knee kinematics during gait. This may help to develop clinical approaches to prevent the onset and/or progression of knee osteoarthritis.