Title : How does knee degeneration in young adults affect neuromuscular function: A cross sectional study
Abstract:
Background: Knee degeneration accompanied with neuromuscular deficits are commonly observed in the population particularly within the onset of osteoarthritis1,2.
Objectives: To identify how lower limb muscle thickness, quadriceps and hamstring peak torques and rate of torque development of the knee vary with levels of knee degeneration
Methods: A total of 12 participants, between the ages of 21-38 years old, were brought into the lab where their quadriceps, hamstrings, gastrocnemii thicknesses, as well as knee joint osteophyte levels were measured using ultrasound. Additionally, maximum peak torque and rate of torque development scores were assessed using a BioDex isokinetic dynamometer (IKD). Relationships between muscle size and strength were analyzed and graphed against osteophyte data.
Results: The results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between peak torque knee extension/flexion and osteophyte levels; p-value = 0.042, spearman’s value = 0.593). p-value = 0.039, spearman’s value = 0.600 respectively. There were no statistically significant relationships found in muscle thickness of rate of torque development analyses.
Conclusions: There is a significant correlation between peak torque knee extension/flexion versus osteophyte levels. Further evaluation of the changes in knee function and degeneration may shed light on early processes that take place in osteoarthritic disease and benefit clinical assessment and management of the disease in future practice.
