Effects of knee osteoarthritis severity on inter-joint coordination and gait variability as measured by hip-knee cyclograms

Ryu

et al. 2021

Sensors

Self Cite

Gait disturbance is a common sequela of stroke. Conventional gait analysis has limitations in simultaneously assessing multiple joints. Therefore, we investigated the gait characteristics in stroke patients using hip-knee cyclograms, which have the advantage of simultaneously visualizing the gait kinematics of multiple joints. Stroke patients (n = 47) were categorized into two groups according to stroke severity, and healthy controls (n = 32) were recruited. An inertial measurement unit sensor-based gait analysis system, which requires placing seven sensors on the dorsum of both feet, the shafts of both tibias, the middle of both femurs, and the lower abdomen, was used for the gait analysis. Then, the hip-knee cyclogram parameters (range of motion, perimeter, and area) were obtained from the collected data. The coefficient of variance of the cyclogram parameters was obtained to evaluate gait variability. The cyclogram parameters differed between the stroke patients and healthy controls, and differences according to stroke severity were also observed. The gait variability parameters mainly differed in patients with more severe stroke, and specific visualized gait patterns of stroke patients were obtained through cyclograms. In conclusion, the hip-knee cyclograms, which show inter-joint coordination and visualized gait cycle in stroke patients, are clinically significant.

Section: Gait Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Gait Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Gait Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Gait Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Analysis of Gait Characteristics Using Hip-Knee Cyclograms in Patients with Hemiplegic Stroke

Ryu

et al. 2021

Sensors

Self Cite

Adv Healthcare Materials

Injectable Natural Polymer Hydrogels for Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

Lin

Tsao

Kyomoto

et al. 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a serious chronic and degenerative disease that increasingly occurs in the aged population. Its current clinical treatments are limited to symptom relief and cannot regenerate cartilage. Although a better understanding of OA pathophysiology has been facilitating the development of novel therapeutic regimen, delivery of therapeutics to target sites with minimal invasiveness, high retention, and minimal side effects remains a challenge. Biocompatible hydrogels have been recognized to be highly promising for controlled delivery and release of therapeutics and biologics for tissue repair. In this review, the current approaches and the challenges in OA treatment, and unique properties of injectable natural polymer hydrogels as delivery system to overcome the challenges are presented. The common methods for fabrication of injectable polysaccharide‐based hydrogels and the effects of their composition and properties on the OA treatment are detailed. The strategies of the use of hydrogels for loading and release cargos are also covered. Finally, recent efforts on the development of injectable polysaccharide‐based hydrogels for OA treatment are highlighted, and their current limitations are discussed.

Journal Orthopaedic Research

Inter‐joint coordination variability is associated with pain severity and joint loading in persons with knee osteoarthritis

Huang

James

Lanois

et al. 2023

As the lower extremity is a linked‐joint system, the contribution of movements at the hip and ankle, in addition to the knee, to gait patterns should be considered for persons with knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, the relationships of joint coordination variability to OA symptoms, particularly knee pain, and joint loading is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of joint coordination variability to knee pain severity and joint loading in persons with knee OA. Thirty‐four participants with knee OA underwent gait analysis. Vector coding was used to assess coordination variability during the early, mid, and late stance phase. Hip–knee coupling angle variability (CAV) during midstance was associated with Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) pain (r = −0.50, p = 0.002) and Visual Analog Scale pain (r = 0.36, p = 0.04). Knee–ankle CAV during midstance was associated with KOOS pain (r = −0.34, p = 0.05). Hip–knee CAV during early and midstance were associated with knee flexion moment (KFM) impulses (r = −0.46, p = 0.01). Knee–ankle CAV during early and midstance were associated with peak KFM (r = −0.51, p < 0.01; r = −0.70, p < 0.01). Moreover, knee–ankle CAV during early, mid, and late stance phase were associated with KFM impulses (r = −0.53, p < 0.01; r = −0.70, p < 0.01; r = −0.54, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that joint coordination variability may be a factor that influences pain and knee joint loading in persons with knee OA. Statement of Clinical Significance: Movement coordination of the hip, knee, and ankle should be considered in the clinical management and future research related to knee OA.