Quantifying Spatial-temporal Parameters During Stair Ascent and Descent Among Knee Osteoarthritis Populations

Abstract

Purpose: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent orthopedic condition that significantly affects patients' well-being. This study investigates the spatial and temporal gait characteristics of patients with early-stage KOA during stair ascent and descent compared to healthy individuals.Methods: A total of 12 individuals diagnosed with KOA and 12 healthy controls participated in the study. The diagnosis of KOA was based on the clinical criteria provided by the American College of Rheumatology, and disease severity was evaluated using the Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale. A thorough inclusion and exclusion protocol ensured that the participants met specific criteria. Spatial-temporal variables were measured using a 3D motion capture system during stair negotiation. A repeated-measure multivariate analysis of covariance was used for the statistical analyses (P<0.05).Results: Significant differences in spatial and temporal gait variables were observed between individuals with KOA and the healthy control group during stair descending and ascending. The KOA group exhibited shorter step length (P=0.019), wider step width (P=0.029), shorter step time in both directions (P=0.022 for descending, P=0.031 for ascending), increased time in double support phase in both directions (P=0.009 for descending, P=0.004 for ascending), prolonged total stance time in both directions (P=0.003 for descending, P=0.009 for ascending), and lower gait velocity in both directions (P<0.001). During stair ascent, the overall gait velocity decreased (P<0.001), step width increased (P=0.039), and more time was allocated to single support (P=0.009), double support (P=0.038), and total stance (P<0.001). These findings highlight the significant differences in gait variables observed in individuals with knee osteoarthritis during stair walking compared to the control group. Conclusion:These findings provide valuable insights into how KOA impacts gait adaptations during stair climbing. The results support the need for targeted treatment and rehabilitation programs to improve the quality of life for patients. These findings provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals, enabling better diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for KOA patients. They also aid in developing assistive devices and assessing disease progression for improved patient care.