New in the Literature: Predictors of WBA After TKA (Gait Posture. 2012 September 11. [Epub ahead of print])
Greater amounts of weight-bearing asymmetry (WBA) 1 month
after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are predicted by modifiable factors,
including habitual movement pattern and asymmetry in quadriceps and hamstrings
strength, say authors of an article published
online in Gait & Posture.
Fifty-nine people were tested preoperatively and 1 month following
unilateral TKA for WBA using average vertical ground reaction force under each
foot during the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test. Candidate variables tested in the
regression analysis represented physical impairments (strength, muscle
activation, pain, and motion), demographics, anthropometrics, and movement
compensations.
WBA, measured as the ratio of surgical/nonsurgical limb vertical ground
reaction force, was 0.69 (0.18) (mean (SD) 1 month after TKA. Regression
analysis identified preoperative WBA, quadriceps strength ratio, and hamstrings
strength ratio as factors predictive of WBA 1 month after TKA (R(2)=0.30).
APTA member Cory L.
Christiansen, PT, PhD, is lead author of the article. APTA members Michael J. Bade, PT, and Jennifer
E. Stevens-Lapsley, PT, PhD, are coauthors.