Evaluating the effects of pain and disorders of the knee joint on knee extension strength and daily life activities in the female elderly

Abstract

This study aimed at examining the differences in leg strength and activities of daily living (ADL) ability among groups with various knee problems. The subjects consisted of 328 elderly females who were classified into three groups: those without knee pain or a knee disorder, those with knee pain, and those with a knee disorder. The subjects took a knee extension strength test and an ADL survey. Knee extension strength and ADL scores (total score and each domain score of the motions of locomotion, posture change, stability, and manipulation) were selected as the evaluation parameters. The knee extension strength, total ADL score and each domain score of the motions of locomotion, posture change, and stability ranged from low to high in the following order: the group with a knee disorder, the group with knee pain, and the group without pain or a knee disorder. Moreover, manipulation scores were significantly inferior in the group with a knee disorder compared with the other two groups. In conclusion, the female elderly with knee pain or a knee disorder have inferior knee extension strength and ADL with respect to the motions of locomotion, posture change and stability. In addition, with regard to knee extension strength with respect to the above three motions, the elderly with a knee disorder have inferior scores when compared with the elderly who have only knee pain; thus, they find it difficult to perform activities involving the knee joints.

Effect of Mild and Severe Unilateral Knee Joint Pain on Gait in Elderly Females

“…It is possible that the elderly with mild unilateral pain could walk while enduring knee pain. Sugiura and Demura [15] and Sugiura et al [5] reported that laterality was found in the knee extension strength of elderly people with both mild and severe unilateral knee pain. Because a decrease in knee extension strength affects walking, it was assumed that laterality would be found in the gait of elderly people with mild and severe unilateral knee pain.…”

“…They have difficulty in walking or standing up [5,6]. There are considerable individual differences in the degree of these conditions even among the elderly with knee joint pain.…”

“…The elderly with unilateral knee pain may have difficulty in exerting strength in the affected leg [5,15], leading to gait laterality. Gait laterality in the elderly is a strategy to maintain stability during walking.…”