Article

The objective of this study was to clarify how the variability of gait
parameters is influenced by the severity of knee OA. Gait analysis was performed
at three different controlled walking speeds in three groups of subjects with
varying degrees of knee OA (20 healthy subjects with no OA and 90 patients with
moderate or severe OA). The variability of gait parameters was characterized by
the coefficient of variance (CV) of spatial-temporal parameters, as well as by
the mean coefficient variance (MeanCV) of angular parameters. Based on our
results, we conclude that the complexity of gait decreases if the walking speed
differs from the self-selected speed. In patients with knee OA, the decreased
variability of angular parameters on the affected side represents decreased joint
flexibility. This leads to decreased consistency in movements of the lower limbs
from stride-to-stride, as shown by increased variability of spatial-temporal
parameters. Decreased joint flexibility and consistency of movement can be
associated with decreased complexity of movement. Other joints of the kinetic
chain, such as joints of the non-affected side and the pelvis, play an important
role in compensation and adaptation of step-by step motion and in the ability of
secure gait. Results suggest that the variability of gait associated with knee
osteoarthritis is gender-dependent. During rehabilitation, particular attention
must be paid to improving gait stability and proprioception and gender
differences should be taken into account.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS