Knee joint kinematics in gait and other functional activities measured using flexible electrogoniometry: how much knee motion is sufficient for normal daily life?

The knee joint kinematics of a group (n = 20) of elderly normal subjects (m ean age = 67 years) were investigated using flexible electrogoniometry. The flexion-extension angle of the knee was recorded during a range of functio nal activities performed as part of a circuit in and around the hospital. T he functions analysed including gait, walking on slopes, stair negotiation, the use of standard and low chairs and a bath. The data were used to produ ce the pattern of joint angulation against the percentage of the cycle for each individual conducting each activity. Further the maximum and minimum k nee joint angles and the excursion of the joint during the cycle were ident ified. The results indicate gait and slopes require less than 90 degrees of knee flexion, stairs and chairs 90-120 degrees of flexion and a bath appro ximately 135 degrees of flexion. The data suggests that 110 degrees of flex ion would seem a suitable goal for the rehabilitation of motion in the knee . It is concluded that flexible electrogoniometry is a suitable and practic al method for evaluating knee motion during a range of functional activitie s. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.