Reduced Muscle Strength Can Alter the Impact of Gait Modifications on Knee Cartilage Mechanics.

ABSTRACT: Muscle strength can substantially influence knee joint loading, stability, and cartilage biomechanics, all of which are important factors in the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Noninvasive rehabilitation methods, such as gait modifications, are suggested to effectively alter knee joint loading, potentially helping to prevent or slow KOA progression. However, no studies to date have assessed if reduced lower limb muscle strength can influence the effects of rehabilitation exercises such as gait modifications. This study aimed to reveal how reducing the strength of three lower limb muscle groups (knee extensors, hip abductors, and ankle extensors) impacts the effects of gait modifications (Toe-out, Toe-in, and Wide gait) on knee cartilage stresses. We analyzed motion and

SUBMITTER: Peitola JPJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12329646 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature