Crimson Publishers Publish With Us Reprints e-Books Video articles

Abstract

Orthopedic Research Online Journal

Gait Kinematic Parameters in Healthy and Rheumatoid Arthritis Postmenopausal Women

Submission: March 30, 2017;Published: June 13, 2018

DOI: 10.31031/OPROJ.2018.03.000559

ISSN: 2576-8875
Volume3 Issue2

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare rheumatoid arthritis (RA) postmenopausal women and age-matched healthy postmenopausal women (AHPW) in regard to functional capacity, gait kinematic and temporal parameters, and its intra-individual variability. 20RA postmenopausal women and 20AHPW were selected. A three-dimensional motion analysis system (9 cameras) were used to collect gait kinematic parameters (200Hz), synchronized with a force plate (1000Hz). Data were analysed by a biomechanical model based on mechanical segments and joint centres, which combined anthropometric measurements and the placement of 41 spherical reflective markers on subjects anatomical landmarks. Subjects walked barefoot at a comfortable speed and performed 14 valid trials (7 left and 7 right foot-steps on force plate). Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) was used to assess functional capacity. Independent-samples t-test was used. RA postmenopausal women yielded: lower gait speed (p< 0.001); lower centre of mass antero-posterior velocity (p< 0.001); lower cadence (p< 0.001); lower stride length (p< 0.001); lower heel antero-posterior velocity at heel strike (p< 0.05). RA postmenopausal women also yielded a higher intra-individual coefficient of variation in regard to gait speed (p< 0.01), centre of mass antero-posterior velocity (p< 0.05), cadence (p< 0.01), stride length (p< 0.05), and heel antero-posterior velocity at heel strike (p< 0.01). A higher HAQ score was observed in RA postmenopausal women (p< 0.001). The higher intra-individual variability of the gait kinematic parameters may indicate a lower proprioceptive control, so, it would be important enhance functional capacity, confidence, and proprioception in these patients.

Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis; Menopause; Gait; Kinematic; Functional capacity

Get access to the full text of this article