OBESITY - EFFECTS ON GAIT IN AN OSTEOARTHRITIC POPULATION

The purpose of our study was to examine the association between obesit y and gait mechanics in older adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Su bjects were 101 older adults (25 males and 76 females) with knee OA. H igh-speed video analysis and a force platform were used to record sagi ttal view lower extremity kinematic data and ground reaction forces. I ncreased body mass index (BMI) was significantly related to both decre ases in walking velocity and knee maximum extension. There were no sig nificant relationships between BMI and any of the hip or ankle kinemat ic variables. BMI was directly related to vertical force minimum and m aximum values, vertical impulse, and loading rare. Increases in brakin g and propulsive forces were significantly correlated with increased B MI. Maximum medially and laterally directed ground reaction forces wer e positively correlated with BMI. Our results suggests that, in subjec ts with knee OA, obesity is associated with an alteration in gait.