Highlights
- •Low maximal voluntary torque is associated with low muscle steadiness in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
- •Muscle steadiness is not associated with physical function.
- •Maximal voluntary torque remains a reliable objective measure of physical function.
Abstract
Background
Muscle weakness is characteristic of knee osteoarthritis. Muscle steadiness may be
an important adjunct to knee muscle strength in improving physical function in knee
osteoarthritis. However, the role of muscle steadiness is uncertain.
Aims
To determine the associations of knee extensor muscle steadiness with maximal voluntary
torque and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Methods
Baseline data from 177 patients in a randomized clinical trial were used. Isokinetic
knee extension torque was processed into maximal voluntary torque [Nm]. Muscle steadiness
was expressed as the coefficient of variance [%] and as peak power frequency [Hz].
Physical function was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities
Osteoarthritis Index, the Get-Up-and-Go and Stair-climb tests. Associations were determined
using regression analyses and adjusted for confounders.
Findings
Lower muscle steadiness (i.e., higher coefficient of variance and peak power frequency)
was associated with lower maximal voluntary torque (B = − 7.38, [−10.8, −3.95], R2 = 0.10 and B = −14.71, [−28.29, −1.13], R2 = 0.03, respectively). Higher coefficient of variance was associated with lower self-reported
physical function (B = 1.14, [0.11,2.17], R2 = 0.03) and remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders. Peak
power frequency was not associated with physical function.
Interpretation
Low muscle steadiness was weakly associated with low muscle strength and poorer self-reported
physical function. Muscle steadiness and muscle strength seem to be different attributes
of muscle function. There is no convincing evidence that muscle steadiness is an important
adjunct in studying physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 12, 2022
Accepted:
August 9,
2022
Received:
December 30,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
