Hip strength, quadriceps strength and dynamic balance are lower in people with unilateral knee osteoarthritis compared to their non-affected limb and asymptomatic controls.

BACKGROUND: There is insufficient literature on multi-directional hip strength differences and dynamic balance between people with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and healthy controls. OBJECTIVE: In people with unilateral KOA, determine if hip/knee strength and dynamic balance differs (i) between sides, and (ii) compared to controls. METHODS: Thirty-six participants (17 women; 65.5 ± 8.9 years) with unilateral KOA and 36 age- and sex-matched controls were included in a cross-sectional study. Outcomes included hip strength, quadriceps strength, and dynamic balance (three directions) during the Star Excursion Balance Test. Mixed ANOVA analysis was completed to investigate differences between Limbs and Groups. Mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: Quadriceps and hip adduction strength were 16% (95%CI:10, 22) and 9% [95%CI: 3, 16) lower on the affected compared to non-affected side. Quadriceps and hip abduction, adduction, flexion, and extension strength (MD varying from 16%, 95%CI: 8, 25; to 34%, 95%CI: 17, 50) were weaker bilaterally in individuals with KOA compared to control. Posteromedial balance was 4% (95%CI: 2, 6) lower for affected compared to non-affected limbs in those with KOA and 13% (95%CI: 6, 21) lower in the affected limb compared to controls. Individuals with KOA had lower balance bilaterally in the anterior 11% (95%CI: 7, 15) and posterolateral 21% (95%CI: 13, 30) directions. CONCLUSION: Hip/knee strength (especially in the sagittal and frontal planes) and dynamic balance are lower bilaterally in people with KOA compared to controls. Hip adduction strength is lower on the affected than non-affected limbs of people with KOA. Clinicians should consider that knee extension strength, hip strength, and dynamic balance are lower bilaterally in people with unilateral KOA.

Influence of an unloader brace on lower limb electromyographic activity in individuals with predominant lateral osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the immediate effects of a varus unloader knee brace on lower-limb electromyographic activity in individuals with lateral knee osteoarthritis and valgus malalignment after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. METHODS: Electromyographic data were recorded in 19 individuals with lateral knee osteoarthritis and valgus malalignment after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction during walking under three conditions: (i) no brace, (ii) unadjusted brace (no varus adjustment), and adjusted brace (varus adjustment). Variables of interest were statistically analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in muscle co-contraction between the three test conditions. The adjusted brace resulted in delayed offset of gluteus maximus (mean difference [95% CI]: 72ms [24, 119]), and earlier onset of gluteus medius (59ms [21, 97]) compared to no brace. The adjusted brace delayed onset of lateral gastrocnemius compared to no brace (53ms [28, 78]) and the unadjusted brace (39ms [7, 71]) and reduced average activation amplitude of gluteus maximus (-4mV [-6, -1]) and lateral gastrocnemius (-9mV [-16, -2]) compared to no brace. CONCLUSIONS: The unloader brace did not produce significant changes in muscle co-contraction in individuals with lateral knee osteoarthritis and valgus malalignment after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Significant changes in gluteal and gastrocnemius muscle activation timing and amplitude were observed, however, it is not clear whether these changes are of clinical importance.

Navigating changing food environments - Transnational perspectives on dietary behaviours and implications for nutrition counselling.

United States (US) migrants are often characterised as experiencing unhealthy nutrition transitions. 'Looking-back' into dietary behaviours and the processes that affect dietary changes before migration may improve counselling interventions. We conducted a qualitative study of an indigenous Zapotecan transnational community based in Monterey, California, and Oaxaca, Mexico. Four focus groups and 29 interviews were conducted with transnational participants concerning health beliefs around and dietary differences between the US and Oaxaca. Analysis focused on nutrition-related themes. The four major themes were: (1) the paradox between participants' experience growing up with food insecurity and fond memories of a healthier diet; (2) mothers' current kitchen struggles as they contend with changes in food preferences and time demands, and the role 'care packages' play in alleviating these challenges; (3) positive views about home-grown versus store-bought vegetables; and (4) the role of commercial nutritional supplements and the support they provide. Counselling implications include (1) taking a detailed medical/social history to explore experiences with food insecurity and views on the role of nutrition in maintaining health and (2) exploring patients' struggles with different dietary preferences within their families. Transnational experiences may provide new insights for dietary counselling and patient-centred health communication.