The Effects of Knee Joint Pain and Disorders on Knee Extension Strength and Walking Ability in the Female Elderly

Hiroki Sugiura, Shinichi Demura

Graduate School of Natural Science & Technology, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.

DOI: 10.4236/ape.2012.24024                

Abstract

This study examines the differences in leg strength and walking ability among groups with different knee problems. The participants were 328 elderly females (60 - 94 years old; mean age 76.1 years; SD = 6.2) who were classified into three groups: those without knee pain or a knee disorder, those with knee pain, and those with a knee disorder. The subjects took knee extension strength and 12 meter maximum effort walk tests. Knee extension strength was significantly lower in the groups with knee pain and a knee disorder than in the group without pain or a knee disorder. Walking speed was significantly slower in the group with a knee disorder than in the other two groups. In conclusion, the female elderly with knee pain or a knee disorder are inferior in knee extension strength and walking ability. In addition, the elderly with a knee disorder are inferior in walking ability to the elderly with knee pain.

Keywords

Knee Joint Pain; Knee Joint Disorder; Knee Extension Strength; Gait; Female Elderly

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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