None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The primary hypothesis is that participants randomised to the 1 month gait training program will reduce KAM and improve symptoms of OA compared to the control group. Osteoarthritis is the most common musculoskeletal disorder affecting Australians and is the leading cause of pain and disability. OA is caused by rapid degeneration of articular cartilage. Knee osteoarthritis reduces physical activity level due to the associated pain, impaired gait and balance and lower-extremity muscle weakness. Osteoarthritis treatment is typically driven by a pharmacologic approach to provide analgesia and reduce inflammation, rather than employment of disease-modifying agents, or risk factor reduction, with knee replacement surgery the only option in advanced cases. Gait retraining and postural control is theoretically far more targeted to the impairments in knee OA. The primary hypothesis that participants randomised in the 1 month gait program will have a significant reduction in the KAM compared to the control group, and have a significant improvement in symptoms of OA such as pain.
Interventions
Gait retraining intervention: 1) 2x30min session each week at University of Sydney, for 4 weeks, in the 3D motion analysis laboratory 2) The participant walks on a 5m force platform, each gait trial does not exceed 6-8seconds. 3) The participant is given full real-time feedback during the training, so that they are aware of their incorrect walking style. 4) A light-feedback system is set up for the participant so that while they walk, a flash would indicate that they had achieved a sub-optimal k
Gait retraining intervention: 1) 2x30min session each week at University of Sydney, for 4 weeks, in the 3D motion analysis laboratory 2) The participant walks on a 5m force platform, each gait trial does not exceed 6-8seconds. 3) The participant is given full real-time feedback during the training, so that they are aware of their incorrect walking style. 4) A light-feedback system is set up for the participant so that while they walk, a flash would indicate that they had achieved a sub-optimal knee adduction moment (KAM) during their gait trial. The light would point toward an incorrect walking style. The light is used in this way, to reduce dependence of the subject to have the light on, whilst performing correct gait style. 5) The subject performs this optimal movement 10 times followed by a rest, with the data collector asking after each trial, using a Likert pain scale, if they felt any pain in the knee during the activity. 30 trials are undertaken altogether (3 x 10 trials). There is no specific movement that is taught, each participant will adjust their gait style on their own advice and if the light does not flash, it indicates that they are walking correctly. However, if the participant fails to keep the light off, then suggestions are made to reduce the KAM eg: walking with toes out, by the assessor.
Sponsors
University of Sydney
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
40 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Must have medial knee OA in at least one knee Good general health
Exclusion criteria
Any form of secondary arthritis such as gout, pseudogout etc Joint injury (unrepaired anterior cruciate ligament injury), injection or surgery within the past 6 months or knee joint replacement. Knee cartilage surgery Knee injections (e.g. Corticosteroids – cortisone); no more than 2 in the last 5 years, and only one in the last 6 months. Acute or terminal illness Severe functional limitation (unable to walk unaided)
Outcome results
None listed