Association of Eccentric Quadriceps Torque With Knee Pain, Physical Function and Extension Lag in Women With Grade ≤ II Knee Osteoarthritis-A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract Background Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent disabling disease among women. Quadriceps weakness is attributed to one of the causes of knee pain (KP) and disability. The study aimed to test the correlation of eccentric quadriceps torque (EQT) with 2 subscales of reduced WOMAC questionnaire (KP and physical function) and extension lag range of motion (ROM) at the knee joint in osteoarthritic women. Methods A cross-sectional design was used. A total of 70 (age 41.1 ± 7.1) female patients having grade ≤ II knee OA participated in the study. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to test the correlation between the independent variable (EQT) and dependent variables (2 subscales of reduced WOMAC questionnaire and extension lag in the knee). Results EQT presented a significant moderate negative correlation with the reduced WOMAC subscales (pain r = -0.489, p < 0.01 and physical function r = -0.425, p < 0.01), and low positive correlation with available ROM (r = 0.349, p < 0.01). Conclusions The self-reported symptoms of KP, physical function, and extension lag in the early stages of knee OA in women are associated with EQT. Thus designing a rehabilitation program having eccentric quadriceps strengthening exercises may improve KP and physical activities but further randomized controlled trials are needed to verify this.