Article

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between changes in knee muscle strength
(extensor and flexor muscles separately, and mean values) and changes in activity
limitations in patients with established knee osteoarthritis at 2 years. METHODS:
Data from 186 patients with knee osteoarthritis, part of the Amsterdam
Osteoarthritis cohort, were gathered at baseline and at
2-year follow-up.
Strength of the knee extensor and flexor muscles were assessed using an
isokinetic dynamometer. Activity limitations were assessed using the Western
Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Physical Function
subscale, the Get Up and Go test (GUG), and the 12-steps stairs test. Univariate
and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to assess the association
between changes in muscle strength and changes in activity limitations, adjusting
for relevant confounders and baseline activity limitations. RESULTS: There was an
overall 16% increase in mean knee muscle strength (p < 0.001), 19% increase in
knee extensor muscle strength (p < 0.001), and 17% increase in knee flexor muscle
strength (p < 0.001) at 2 years. Increased mean knee muscle strength and knee
flexor muscle strength were associated with better self-reported physical
function (WOMAC) (b = -5.7,
p = 0.03 and b = -6.2, p = 0.05), decreased time on
the GUG (b = -1.2, p = 0.003 and b = -1.4, p = 0.05) and decreased time on the
stairs test (b = -4.4, p < 0.001 and b = -6.6, p < 0.001). Increased extensor
muscle strength was associated only with decreased time on the stairs test (b =
-2.7, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Increased knee muscle strength, mainly in the knee
flexors, was associated with decreased activity limitations in patients with knee
osteoarthritis at 2 years.
Thus, differences in muscle strength may partially
explain the between-patients variability in activity limitations.
- Pays Bas

Langue : ANGLAIS