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Evaluation of vastus lateralis architecture and strength of knee extensors in middle-aged and older individuals with knee osteoarthritis

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Abstract

Objectives

To investigate any differences in muscle architecture (fascicle angle, fascicle length, and muscle thickness) and muscle strength in people of different ages with and without knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 40 individuals with and 40 without knee OA. Four groups were analyzed, middle-aged OA group (KL II/III) aged 40–50 years (n = 20), middle-aged healthy (H) group aged 40–50 years (n = 20), older OA group (KL II/III) aged 70 years and over (n = 20), and older H group, aged 70 years and over (n = 20). Outcomes analyzed were isometric and isokinetic peak torque of knee extensors, level of physical activity, self-reported pain level, and vastus lateralis fascicle length, fascicle angle, and muscle thickness assessed by ultrasound. One-way ANOVA was used to identify differences between groups, followed by the Tukey post hoc test.

Results

There were no differences between the middle-aged OA group and older H group for any variables. The older OA group presented the smallest muscle architecture parameters and worst isometric and concentric peak torques compared to the other three groups (p < 0.001). In contrast, the middle-aged H group presented the largest muscle architecture parameters and was the strongest group compared to the others (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The presence of knee OA is associated with early muscular changes and seems to intensify these thigh changes that are similar to the effects of the aging process.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) for the financial support to the investigators of this study and Hugo Alexandre Puretachi, radiologist technician at University Hospital of the Federal University of São Carlos, for performing the radiography exams.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Therapy, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, Washington Luis Road, km 235, SP-310, São Carlos, SP, 13.565-905, Brazil

    Jéssica Bianca Aily, Aline Castilho de Almeida, Maria Gabriela Pedroso & Stela Marcia Mattiello

  2. Community and Allied Health Department, La Trobe University - Rural Health School, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia

    Marcos de Noronha

  3. Department of Health Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil

    Jamilly Gomes Maciel & Ana Cláudia Mattiello-Sverzut

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  1. Jéssica Bianca Aily
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Correspondence to Jéssica Bianca Aily.

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Aily, J.B., de Noronha, M., de Almeida, A.C. et al. Evaluation of vastus lateralis architecture and strength of knee extensors in middle-aged and older individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Clin Rheumatol 38, 2603–2611 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-019-04539-9

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