Abstract
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the biomechanical changes in the lower extremities of patients with degenerative knee osteoarthritis during gait on level ground, ramps, and stairs. [Methods] Fourteen elderly patients with degenerative osteoarthritis walked on flat ground, ramps of varying angles (1:12, 1:8, 1:6), and climbed stairs. Gait analysis equipment was used for kinematic analysis of the lower extremities to assess the temporospatial variables and the kinematic variables. [Results] The velocity, stride length, cadence, support time, step length, and double support time but not stride width of degenerative arthritis patients significantly differed among level walking, ramp climbing, and stair climbing. In terms of the kinematic variables, the flexion angles of the hip joints, knee joints, and ankle joints differed significantly according to the timing of the gait. [Conclusion] The results show that patients with degenerative osteoarthritis had more difficulty with gait on stairs or ramps of high inclination than on flat ground. This study provides data for use in basic research into safe gait on stairs and ramps for patients with degenerative osteoarthritis.
