Muscle strength is a key predictor of physical function in advanced knee osteoarthritis

Review written by Dr Anthony Teoli info

Key Points

  1. Leg press maximal strength and leg extension maximum voluntary contraction were both positively associated with the 30-second sit-to-stand test and the 10-step stair climbing performance (all statistically significant, P < 0.001).
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) often have impaired physical function. This decline in physical function has been suggested to be associated with decreased leg muscle strength (especially knee extensor muscle strength) in patients with various stages of knee OA (1). However, the amount of variation in physical function that is attributable to muscle strength is not well understood.

Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the predictive associations between key components of muscle strength, and self-reported and performance-based physical function, in a cohort of patients with advanced knee OA.

Decline in physical function may be associated with decreased leg muscle strength in patients with various stages of knee osteoarthritis.
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In patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis, greater leg strength and rate of force development were strongly associated with better functional performance in tasks such as chair rising and stair climbing.

METHODS

  • This study included 50 patients (age: 65 ± 8 years; 22 males and 28 females; and BMI: 31 ± 5 kg/m²) with advanced knee OA.
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