A case of knee osteoarthritis with hypotonia of the iliacus muscle and gluteus maximus and increased risk of falling backward in standing up and standing

Abstract

We administered physical therapy for a patient with knee osteoarthritis who had an increased risk of falling backward while standing up or standing. The patient experienced poor hip flexion during sitting and the flexion phase of standing up, causing the pelvis to tilt backward. Moreover, the extension of both hip joints was poor in standing and the flexion phase of standing up, which compromised the support of the upper limbs. Improved muscle tone in the iliacus muscle and gluteus maximus increased the flexion of both hip joints during sitting and the flexion phase of standing up. Additionally, the extension of both hip joints increased in standing. Consequently, the risk of falling backward was reduced in standing up and standing, which improved the patient's safety and standing ability.