TY - JOUR
T1 - Reduced knee extensor torque production at low to moderate velocities in postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis
AU - Rodriguez-Lopez, Carlos
AU - Beckwée, David
AU - Luyten, Frank P.
AU - Van Assche, Dieter
AU - Van Roie, Evelien
PY - 2021/11
Y1 - 2021/11
N2 - This study aimed to determine deficits in knee extensor muscle function through the torque-time and torque-velocity relationships and whether these deficits are associated with reduced functional performance in postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). A clinical sample of postmenopausal women with established KOA (n = 18, ≥55 years) was compared to an age-matched healthy control sample (CON) (n = 26). The deficits in different parameters of the knee extensor torque-time (maximal isometric torque and rate of torque development) and torque-velocity relationship (maximum muscle power, maximal velocity and torque at 0–500°·s−1) were assessed through a protocol consisting of isometric, isotonic and isokinetic tests. Functional performance was evaluated with sit-to-stand and stair-climbing tasks using a sensor-based technology (ie, time- and power-based outcomes). Postmenopausal women with KOA showed reduced maximal isometric torque (Hedge's g effect size (g) = 1.05, p = 0.001) and rate of torque development (g = 0.77‒1.17, all p ≤ 0.02), combined with impaired torque production at slow to moderate velocities (g = 0.92‒1.70, p ≤ 0.004), but not at high or maximal velocities (g = 0.16, p > 0.05). KOA were slower (g = 0.81‒0.92, p ≤ 0.011) and less powerful (g = 1.11‒1.29, p ≤ 0.001) during functional tasks. Additionally, knee extensor deficits were moderately associated with power deficits in stair climbing (r = 0.492‒0.659). To conclude, knee extensor muscle weakness was presented in postmenopausal women with KOA, not only as limited maximal and rapid torque development during isometric contractions, but also dynamically at low to moderate velocities. These deficits were related to impaired functional performance. The assessment of knee extensor muscle weakness through the torque-time and torque-velocity relationships might enable individual targets for tailored exercise interventions in KOA.
AB - This study aimed to determine deficits in knee extensor muscle function through the torque-time and torque-velocity relationships and whether these deficits are associated with reduced functional performance in postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). A clinical sample of postmenopausal women with established KOA (n = 18, ≥55 years) was compared to an age-matched healthy control sample (CON) (n = 26). The deficits in different parameters of the knee extensor torque-time (maximal isometric torque and rate of torque development) and torque-velocity relationship (maximum muscle power, maximal velocity and torque at 0–500°·s−1) were assessed through a protocol consisting of isometric, isotonic and isokinetic tests. Functional performance was evaluated with sit-to-stand and stair-climbing tasks using a sensor-based technology (ie, time- and power-based outcomes). Postmenopausal women with KOA showed reduced maximal isometric torque (Hedge's g effect size (g) = 1.05, p = 0.001) and rate of torque development (g = 0.77‒1.17, all p ≤ 0.02), combined with impaired torque production at slow to moderate velocities (g = 0.92‒1.70, p ≤ 0.004), but not at high or maximal velocities (g = 0.16, p > 0.05). KOA were slower (g = 0.81‒0.92, p ≤ 0.011) and less powerful (g = 1.11‒1.29, p ≤ 0.001) during functional tasks. Additionally, knee extensor deficits were moderately associated with power deficits in stair climbing (r = 0.492‒0.659). To conclude, knee extensor muscle weakness was presented in postmenopausal women with KOA, not only as limited maximal and rapid torque development during isometric contractions, but also dynamically at low to moderate velocities. These deficits were related to impaired functional performance. The assessment of knee extensor muscle weakness through the torque-time and torque-velocity relationships might enable individual targets for tailored exercise interventions in KOA.
KW - aging
KW - force–velocity relationship
KW - muscle power
KW - muscle weakness
KW - physical disability
KW - rate of force development
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85113368617&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/sms.14035
DO - 10.1111/sms.14035
M3 - Article
C2 - 34409660
AN - SCOPUS:85113368617
VL - 31
SP - 2144
EP - 2155
JO - Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports
JF - Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports
SN - 0905-7188
IS - 11
ER -