COMPARISON OF THE CONCENTRIC TORQUE OF KNEE MUSCLES an‎d TIMED-WALKING TEST IN HEALTHY an‎d LOW GRADE TIBIOFEMORAL OSTEOARTHRITIS

Although many studies provide insight into the possible muscle strength and functional deficits in patients with osteoarthritis (OA), they had not controlled or matched the subjects for various variables The aim of study was to investigate and compare the concentric torque of Quadriceps and Hamstring muscles and Timed-Walking test in two groups. Thus, one group of healthy subjects and one group of patients with low grade of tibiofemoral OA were selected. Concentric torque of Quadriceps and Hamstring were measured in both groups. Besides, pain measurement, Timed-Walking test, range of motion and the muscle bulk of thigh were assessed in both groups. The independent t-test revealed significant differences between the two groups with regard to concentric torques and Timed-Walking test. However, no significant difference in range of motion and the muscle bulk was seen. In conclusion, patients with low grade of osteoarthritis and minimum clinical signs had weaker muscles and functional limitation in comparison with the matched healthy individuals.