No abstract

This study quantified differences in the gait parameters of velocity and stride length at three different self selected speeds between 113 subjects with rheumatoid arthritis and 104 normal controls stratified for age and gender. Significant differences were found between the well-matched groups of females 50-64 and over 65 years of age at all three speeds for both gait parameters. Females younger than 50 years of age, however, differed from their controls only at normal and fast velocities. The gait of males appeared to be less affected by the disease as only males over 65 years of age differed significantly from their controls and then only at the fast self selected speed. These data provide a base from which to judge the efficacy of therapeutic intervention in the arthritic population.

This study was designed to evaluate an established group exercise program at a large public hospital for subjects with osteoarthritis of the knee(s). Although quantitative gait analysis shows a clear difference between subjects with osteoarthritis of the knee(s) and asymptomatic controls, a significant effect of the group exercise program undertaken was not demonstrated, on either objectively measured gait parameters or subjectively reported pain and function. Possible reasons for this, together with an outline for a revised program and assessment procedure, are discussed.