Comparison of muscle architecture, functional level and foot pressure distribution in woman with knee osteoarthritis and healthy woman

The aim of this study was to assess the muscle architecture, foot pressure distribution, functional levels, and kinesiophobia in women with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to compare them with healthy women. In the present study, 50 women with knee OA and 50 healthy women who were aged 45-65 years, were included. Demographic characteristics and pain levels of the individuals were recorded. Muscle architecture evaluated with ultrasonography. Muscle and fat thickness, pennation angle, and fascicle length of the Rectus Femoris (RF), Vastus Medialis (VM), Vastus Lateralis (VL), Tibialis Anterior (TA), Peroneus Longus (PL), and Medial Gastrocnemius (MG) muscles were measured. Knee X-ray was performed in the OA group. Functional performance levels were evaluated with the Sit-to-Stand Test, Timed Up and Go Test, Stair Test, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and Kneeling Ability. Foot evaluation included the foot posture index, pedobarographic analysis, and foot function index. The fear of movement (kinesiophobia) was evaluated using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia. Demographic characteristics of the individuals were similar (p>0.05). Results of muscle architecture indicated that the OA group had lower muscle thickness in RF, VM, VL, and PL muscles, increased fat thickness in RF, VM, and MG, and smaller pennation angle in VM and MG (p<0.05). The OA group took longer to complete functional tests, and kneeling ability was reduced compared to the control group (p<0.05). The OA group showed more pronated feet position , with greater total surface area, medial and lateral load, and total foot load compared to the control group (p<0.05). Kinesiophobia was positively correlated with knee pain (r=0.936; p<0.001) and functional tests (p<0.001). Lower extremity muscle architecture and pedobarographic characteristics of middle-aged women with OA differ from the control group. Unlike the literature, this study found that the foot and ankle muscle architecture was also negatively affected by OA.In the evaluation of individuals with knee OA, examining the architectural characteristics of the muscles around the knee and ankle will be guiding in the scope of preventive rehabilitation.