Improving Walking in Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) accounts for a significant proportion of mobility limitations and is one of the most disabling problems facing the growing population of older adults. The long-term objective of this research is to reduce disablement of older adults with symptomatic knee OA. The principle of specificity of training indicates that exercises that closely approximate the goal functional activity are most effective in improving physical performance during that activity. Based on this principle, the specific aim of this pilot study is to design a patient-specific gait training intervention using analysis of compensatory joint moments and energy expenditure. Successful completion will inform rehabilitation for maintaining or improving mobility as well as explore the mechanism of effect.

Changes in functional limitation assessed by the A) Summary Performance Score which includes balance tests, timed 4-meter walk, and timed chair stand test B) Timed stair climb C) Late Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI) Questionnaire

Inclusion Criteria: Symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (knee osteoarthritis diagnosed by x-ray and frequent knee symptoms) Age 60 or older Exclusion Criteria: acute or terminal illness unstable cardiovascular condition or other medical conditions that may impair ability to participate such as pulmonary disease requiring the use of supplemental oxygen, neurological disease that affects gait, or lower limb musculoskeletal surgery in the past 6 months. Bilateral knee replacement