Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but the most common areas affected are the knees, hips and small joints in the hands. Often, you’ll only experience symptoms in 1 joint, or a few joints at any 1 time. Post-traumatic arthritis is a type of OA that stems from a previous injury to the knee joint, such as a sprain or a cartilage tear. Although vitamin D is presumed safe, adverse events will be checked by the investigators at every follow-up visit. Any adverse event, whether they are related to the study or not, will be recorded in the adverse effect report form provided by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority using standard adverse event language.
If the γ-loop is intact, vibration should decrease torque and EMG levels in the target muscle; if dysfunctional, then torque and EMG levels should not change following vibration. One-sample t tests were thus undertaken to analyse whether percentage changes in torque and EMG differed from zero after vibration in each group. In addition, analyses of covariance were utilised to analyse between-group differences in the percentage changes in torque and EMG following vibration. For clinical assessment of lower limb mobility in the older persons, lots of modalities were discussed in previous studies. They found that baseline weaker leg strength, trunk extensor endurance, and slower leg velocity predicting a higher likelihood of persistently poor function over two years. Baseline weaker leg strength, trunk extensor endurance, and restricted knee flexion motion also predicted a higher likelihood of a decline in function [28].
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the degeneration of the joint cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected knee.
DKK and PK performed the test, data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data. LTK and WHP were in charge of the study concept and design, supervised the study and critically revised the manuscript for important intellectual content. 4) the difference of visual analogue scale (VAS) greater than one point between each knee joint. 3) both knees have pain without swelling confirmed by ultrasonography, which performed by a senior radiologist who had performed ultrasonography for more than five years; and. There are some things a person with knee arthritis should think carefully about.
One of the contributing factors to the development and progression of osteoarthritis of the knee is quadriceps weakness. The quadriceps muscles are the large muscles located on the front of the thigh and play a crucial role in stabilizing and supporting the knee joint. When these muscles are weak, the knee joint experiences increased stress and strain, which can accelerate the breakdown of cartilage and worsen osteoarthritis symptoms.
After arrival at the local research laboratory at each site, the samples will be collected, transported, stored, and prepared according to local protocols. Blood will be stored at 2–8 °C before handling within the required time. All samples collected during the trial will be labelled with the patients’ identification code and will not contain any identifiable data.
As a placebo will look and taste like vitamin D3, this can ensure the participants are blinded to the treatment. The utilization of a placebo that closely mimics the appearance and flavour of vitamin D3 will effectively blind the participants to their treatment. Trained research assistants will obtain written informed consent from all participants prior to their participation in this study.
Quadriceps weakness can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, inactivity, or muscle imbalances. Regardless of the cause, addressing quadriceps weakness is essential for managing osteoarthritis of the knee and improving overall joint function.
RA can also cause warmth and swelling in the joint and soften the knee bones. The condition tricks the body into thinking healthy tissues, such as protective cartilage, are harmful. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), there are over 100 types of arthritis, and some of them are common in the knee. Additional analyses will include subgroup analyses to estimate treatment effects for both female and male participants.
The lever arm length (m) was then multiplied by the peak isometric force (N) to calculate the peak torque (Nm). The quadriceps may be the body’s “natural knee brace,” as the study authors referred to them, but they’re not the only muscles that are critical for good knee function. Equally important are the hamstrings on the back of your thigh and the gluteal muscles of the buttocks. Like the quadriceps, these muscles not only help you sit and rise from a seated position, but they also enable you to complete other everyday activities. These include climbing stairs, lifting heavy objects and getting into and out of your vehicle.
The Importance of Strengthening Exercises
Physical therapy and targeted strengthening exercises are often recommended for individuals with quadriceps weakness and osteoarthritis of the knee. These exercises help to improve muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility, which can reduce pain and improve mobility in the affected knee.
Common exercises for quadriceps strengthening include leg presses, squats, and lunges. These exercises target the quadriceps muscles and help to build strength and stability in the knee joint. It is important to perform these exercises under the guidance of a physical therapist or healthcare provider to ensure proper form and technique.
Other Treatment Options
In addition to strengthening exercises, other treatment options for quadriceps weakness and osteoarthritis of the knee may include weight management, pain medications, and assistive devices such as braces or orthotics. In some cases, more invasive treatments such as corticosteroid injections or surgical interventions may be necessary to address severe symptoms.
Overall, managing quadriceps weakness is crucial for improving outcomes in individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee. By addressing muscle imbalances and improving strength and stability in the knee joint, individuals can experience reduced pain, improved function, and a better quality of life.
