Riegger, C., Yang, K., Rodgers, M., Mitchell, J., Kish, V., Soffranco, R., Radin, E. "Gait Characteristics of Early Stage Osteoarthrosis Subjects As Compared With Normals."
Introduction - The relationship between osteoarthrosis (OA) and joint loading has not been firmly established. The articular cartilage degeneration of OA has been correlated to repetitive, impulsive loading of joints, especially when limb musculature does not function properly to dampen this impact loading. Athletes as well as nonathletes develop OA, suggesting there may be variations in common activities, such as walking, which result in joint overuse. The highest rate of joint loading in normal human gait occurs at heel strike. Initial studies have shown that angular velocity of the leg during end swing is significantly higher in people who demonstrate a high rate of loading at heel strike. We hypothesise that tibiofemoral OA may be associated with walking pattern characterized by some variations, which compared to normals, in the following: a) speed of rise of the vertical component of the ground reaction force (loading rate); b) magnitude of the vertical component of ground reaction force; c) thigh and leg acceleration; d) quadriceps and hamstring activity near heelstrike.