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

Abstract

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.

Effects of resveratrol on biochemical and structural outcomes in osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies

“…Exclusion criteria were [ 1 ] lack of assessment of resveratrol's effects on the joint [ 2 ]; experimental studies without negative or OA controls [ 3 ]; studies that use a combination of resveratrol with other agents [ 4 ]; articles without primary data (reviews, letters and perspectives) [ 5 ]; conference abstracts due to incomplete data or potential overlapping with research articles.…”

“…Primary OA refers to the degeneration of articular cartilage without strong underlying factors, while secondary OA is due to consequences of specific causes such as joint trauma, infection and other abnormalities [ 2 , 3 ]. The presence of these primary and secondary factors individually or synergistically will eventually lead to OA [ 4 ]. Imaging features of OA, such as narrowing of the joint space, osteophytes, irregularity of the joint surface, and cartilage damage, are mainly seen in people over 65 years of age, and about 80 % of people over 75 years of age suffer from OA [ 5 , 6 ].…”

“…In OA, synovium develops an inflammatory response and releases pro-inflammatory substances such as cytokines and chemokines. These pro-inflammatory mediators cause lateral damage to joint tissues, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints [ 4 , 12 ]. Inflammatory mediators also trigger the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which accelerate the breakdown of the cartilage matrix, resulting in the loss of cartilage integrity and the development of OA [ 2 ].…”