Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Quadriceps rate of force development affects gait and function in people with knee osteoarthritis

  • Original Article
  • Published:
European Journal of Applied Physiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objective

Quadriceps weakness exists in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA), but other muscle factors like rate of force development (RFD) may also be affected by knee OA. The purpose of this study was to determine if people with knee OA have deficits in quadriceps RFD, determine if quadriceps RFD would improve predicting knee joint power absorption and generation during free and fast walking, and determine if RFD would improve predicting functional outcomes.

Methods

26 subjects with knee OA and 23 healthy control subjects performed maximal voluntary isometric strength (MVIC) and RFD measures of the quadriceps. Subjects also underwent a 3-D motion analysis of both self-selected free and self-selected fast walking speeds. Joint kinetics were calculated from inverse dynamics.

Results

RFD was not different by group (p = 0.763), however, the OA subjects generated the highest peak RFD at a lower % MVIC (p = 0.008). Controls walked significantly faster at both free and fast walking speeds (p = 0.001, p = 0.029). Knee angles at heel strike and peak knee extension were lower (p = 0.004, p = 0.027) in the OA group. During fast walking knee power generation was higher in controls (p = 0.028). MVIC and force of highest peak RFD predicted KOOS–ADL score in the OA subjects, but only MVIC predicted stair climbing time.

Conclusions

The submaximal force at which peak RFD occurs plays a significant role in knee joint power as well as functional measures in the OA subjects, providing further evidence that factors other than maximal strength are also important in people with knee OA.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Anderst WJ, Tashman S (2009) The association between velocity of the center of closest proximity on subchondral bones and osteoarthritis progression. J Orthop Res 27:71–77

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Andriacchi TP, Koo S, Scanlan SF (2009) Gait mechanics influence healthy cartilage morphology and osteoarthritis of the knee. J Bone Joint Surg Am 91(Suppl 1):95–101

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baert IAC, Jonkers I, Filip Staes F, Frank P, Luyten FP, Truijen S, Verschueren SMP (2013) Gait characteristics and lower limb muscle strength in women with early and established knee osteoarthritis. Clin Biomech 28(1):40–47

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bellumori M, Jaric S, Knight CA (2011) The rate of force development scaling factor (RFD–SF): protocol, reliability, and muscle comparisons. Exp Brain Res 212:359–369

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Berger MJ, Chess DG, Doherty TJ (2011) Vastus medialis motor unit properties in knee osteoarthritis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 12:199

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brand C, Aw J, Lowe A, Morton C (2005) Prevalence, outcome and risk for falling in 155 ambulatory patients with rheumatic disease. APLAR J Rheumatol 8:99–105

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burke RE, Rudomin P, Zajac FE 3rd (1970) Catch property in single mammalian motor units. Science 168:122–124

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Caserotti P, Aagaard P, Larsen JB, Puggaard L (2008) Explosive heavy-resistance training in old and very old adults: changes in rapid muscle force, strength and power. Scand J Med Sci Sports 18:773–782

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Childs JD, Sparto PJ, Fitzgerald GK, Bizzini M, Irrgang JJ (2004) Alterations in lower extremity movement and muscle activation patterns in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Clin Biomech 19:44–49

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cole GK, Nigg BM, Ronsky JL, Yeadon MR (1993) Application of the joint coordinate system to three-dimensional joint attitude and movement representation: a standardization proposal. J Biomech Eng 115:344–349

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Corcos DM, Gottlieb GL, Agarwal GC (1989) Organizing principles for single-joint movements. II. A speed-sensitive strategy. J Neurophysiol 62:358–368

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Crowninshield RD, Johnston RC, Andrews JG, Brand RA (1978) A biomechanical investigation of the human hip. J Biomech 11:75–85

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eng JJ, Winter DA (1995) Kinetic analysis of the lower limbs during walking: what information can be gained from a three-dimensional model? J Biomech 28(6):753–758

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Field A (2005) Discovering Statistics using SPSS. Sage, Thousand Oaks

    Google Scholar 

  • Fink B, Egl M, Singer J, Fuerst M, Bubenheim M, Neuen-Jacob E (2007) Morphologic changes in the vastus medialis muscle in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Arthr Rheum 56:3626–3633

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fitzgerald GK, Piva SR, Irrgang JJ (2004) Reports of joint instability in knee osteoarthritis: its prevalence and relationship to physical function. Arthritis Rheum 51(6):941–946

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Foldvari M, Clark M, Laviolette LC, Bernstein MA, Kaliton D, Castaneda C, Pu CT, Hausdorff JM, Fielding RA, Singh MA (2000) Association of muscle power with functional status in community-dwelling elderly women. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 55:M192–M199

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Freund HJ, Budingen HJ (1978) The relationship between speed and amplitude of the fastest voluntary contractions of human arm muscles. Exp Brain Res 31:1–12

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gordon J, Ghez C (1987) Trajectory control in targeted force impulses. II. Pulse height control. Exp Brain Res 67:241–252

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Heiden TL, Lloyd DG, Ackland TR (2009) Knee joint kinematics, kinetics and muscle co-contraction in knee osteoarthritis patient gait. Clin Biomech 24:833–841

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hsu RWW, Himeno S, Coventry MB, Chao EYS (1990) Normal axial alignment of the lower-extremity and load-bearing distribution at the knee. Clin Orthop Relat Res 255:215–227

    Google Scholar 

  • Hurley MV, Scott DL (1998) Improvements in quadriceps sensorimotor function and disability of patients with knee osteoarthritis following a clinically practicable exercise regime. Br J Rheumatol 37:1181–1187

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Knoop J, van der Leeden M, van der Esch M, Thorstensson CA, Gerritsen M, Voorneman R, Lems WF, Roorda LD, Dekker J, Steultjens MP (2012) Association of lower muscle strength with self-reported knee instability in osteoarthritis of the knee: results from the Amsterdam osteoarthritis cohort. Arthr Care Res 64(1):38–45

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar D, Manal KT, Rudolph KS (2013) Knee joint loading during gait in healthy controls and individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthr Cartil 21(2):298–305

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lafortune MA, Lake MJ, Hennig EM (1996) Differential shock transmission response of the human body to impact severity and lower limb posture. J Biomech 29:1531–1537

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leong B, Kamen G, Patten C, Burke JR (1999) Maximal motor unit discharge rages in the quadriceps muscles of older adults weight lifters. Med Sci Sports Exerc 31:1638–1644

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maffiuletti NA, Bizzini M, Widler K, Munzinger U (2010) Asymmetry in quadriceps rate of force development as a functional outcome measure in TKA. Clin Orthop Relat Res 468:191–198

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Marsh AP, Miller ME, Rejeski WJ, Hutton SL, Kritchevsky SB (2009) Lower extremity muscle function after strength or power training in older adults. J Aging Phys Act 17:416–443

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McComas AJ (1996) Skeletal muscle: form and function. Human Kinetics, Champaign

    Google Scholar 

  • Muehlbauer T, Besemer C, Wehrle A, Gollhofer A, Granacher U (2012) Relationship between strength, power and balance performance in seniors. Gerontology 58:504–512

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Orr R, de Vos NJ, Singh NA, Ross DA, Stavrinos TM, Fiatarone-Singh MA (2006) Power training improves balance in healthy older adults. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 61:78–85

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Paterson DH, Jones GR, Rice CL (2007) Ageing and physical activity: evidence to develop exercise recommendations for older adults. Can J Public Health 98(Suppl 2):S69–S108

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Perry J (1992) Gait Analysis. Normal and Pathological Function. Slack Incorporated, Thorofare, NJ

  • Puthoff ML, Nielsen DH (2007) Relationships among impairments in lower-extremity strength and power, functional limitations, and disability in older adults. Phys Ther 87:1334–1347

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Roos EM, Roos HP, Lohmander LS, Ekdahl C, Beynnon BD (1998) Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)–development of a self-administered outcome measure. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 28:88–96

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Roos EM, Herzog W, Block JA, Bennell KL (2011) Muscle weakness, afferent sensory dysfunction and exercise in knee osteoarthritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 7:57–63

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schmitt LC, Rudolph KS (2007) Influences on knee movement strategies during walking in persons with medial knee osteoarthritis. Arthr Rheum 57:1018–1026

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schmitt LC, Fitzgerald GK, Reisman AS, Rudolph KS (2008) Instability, laxity, and physical function in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis. Phys Ther 88(12):1506–1516

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sharma L, Dunlop D, Cahune S, Song J, Hayes K (2003) Quadriceps strength and osteoarthritis progression in malaligned and lax knees. Ann Intern Med 138(8):613–619

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Slemenda C, Brandt KD, Heilman DK, Mazzuca S, Braunstein EM, Katz BP, Wolinsky FD (1997) Quadriceps weakness and osteoarthritis of the knee. Ann Intern Med 127:97–104

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Slemenda C, Heilman DK, Brandt KD, Katz BP, Mazzuca SA, Braunstein EM, Byrd D (1998) Reduced quadriceps strength relative to body weight: a risk factor for knee osteoarthritis in women? Arthr Rheum 41:1951–1959

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Suetta C, Aagaard P, Rosted A, Jakobsen AK, Duus B, Kjaer M, Magnusson SP (2004) Training-induced changes in muscle CSA, muscle strength, EMG, and rate of force development in elderly subjects after long-term unilateral disuse. J Appl Physiol 97:1954–1961

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thorstensson CA, Petersson IF, Jacobsson LTH, Boegard TL, Roos EM (2004) Reduced functional performance in the lower extremity predicted radiographic knee osteoarthritis five years later. Ann Rheum Dis 63:402–407

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Van Cutsem M, Duchateau J, Hainaut K (1998) Changes in single motor unit behaviour contribute to the increase in contraction speed after dynamic training in humans. J Physiol 513(1):295–305

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • van der Esch M, Knoop J, van der Leeden M, Voorneman R, Gerritsen M, Reiding D, Romviel S, Knol DL, Lems WF, Dekker J, Roorda LD (2012) Self-reported knee instability and activity limitations in patients with knee osteoarthritis: results of the Amsterdam osteoarthritis cohort. Clin Rheumatol 10:1505–1510

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wierzbicka MM, Wiegner AW, Logigian EL, Young RR (1991) Abnormal most-rapid isometric contractions in patients with Parkinson’s disease. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 54:210–216

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Winter DA (1990) Biomechanics and motor control of human movement. Wiley, New York

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

Grant support: NIH P20 RR016458, NIH S10RR022396, ACR-REF.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Physical Therapy Program, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA

    Joshua D. Winters

  2. Westbrook College of Health Professions, University of New England, 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME, 04103, USA

    Katherine S. Rudolph

Authors
  1. Joshua D. Winters
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Katherine S. Rudolph
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Katherine S. Rudolph.

Additional information

Communicated by Toshio Moritani.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Winters, J.D., Rudolph, K.S. Quadriceps rate of force development affects gait and function in people with knee osteoarthritis. Eur J Appl Physiol 114, 273–284 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-013-2759-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-013-2759-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation