Bilateral Quadriceps Muscle Strength and Pain Correlate With Gait Speed and Gait Endurance Early After Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the correlations between objective performance-based physical function, self-reported physical function, quality of life, and gait function at 1 mo after unilateral total knee arthroplasty. Design Cross-sectional data from 195 patients who underwent unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty were analyzed. The isometric knee extensor and flexor strength of both knees, gait parameters, 6-min walk test, timed up-and-go test, timed stair-climbing test, knee flexion and extension range of motion of surgical knee, Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain, stiffness, and functional levels, EuroQol five-dimensions questionnaire, and visual analog scale for knee pain were assessed. Results In bivariate analyses, both postoperative gait speed and gait endurance had significant positive correlations with postoperative peak torque of the extensor and flexor of both knees, cadence, stride length, and significant negative correlation with timed up-and-go, stair-climbing test ascent, stair-climbing test descent, visual analog scale, Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain, stiffness, and function levels. In the linear regression analyses, postoperative peak torque of the extensors of both knees and VAS for knee pain were factors correlated with postoperative gait speed and gait endurance. Conclusions Quadriceps muscle strength of both knees and knee pain were important factors correlated with gait function early after total knee arthroplasty.

Correlation and comparison of quadriceps endurance and knee joint position sense in individuals with and without unilateral knee osteoarthritis

“…The findings of this study are comparable with earlier studies that found similar results when comparing quadriceps endurance holding capacity between persons with and without KOA [ 20 , 41 ]. Lee et al [ 42 ] and Alnahdi et al [ 43 ] reported KOA individuals with reduced quadriceps strength and endurance [ 42 , 43 ].…”

Physical Performance Correlates with Self-Reported Physical Function and Quality of Life in Patients at 3 Months after Total Knee Arthroplasty

“…6) These parameters, as well as isometric strengthening of the knee 1 month after TKA, showed greater improvement in our previous study than in the present study. 42) Accordingly, the self-reported physical function and QoL 3 months after TKA may have been lower than the actually measured values.…”

Potential Benefits of a Selective Region High-frequency Diathermy with Therapeutic Exercises on Older Persons with Degenerative Knee Osteoarthritis: A Case Report

“…In addition, the weakening of the quadriceps muscles is one of the symptoms that prominently appears in patients with degenerative knee osteoarthritis [53]. The strength of the quadriceps muscles is associated with pain and gait [54], so the strengthening of quadriceps muscles is important for maintaining gait. In the present study, it reduced the pain by applying the high-frequency diathermy to the trigger points of patients with degenerative knee osteoarthritis, this results in the enhancement of weight bearing, while the increase of muscle activities enhances the gait.…”