Association of kinematic and kinetic parameters with knee osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional study based on inertial sensors

Individuals with severe knee osteoarthritis (KOA) exhibit gait adaptations; however, our understanding of the link between kinetic and kinematic parameters and the severity of KOA remains elusive. This study aimed to combine kinetics and kinematics to investigate their association with KOA and develop an estimation model. We recruited 14 volunteers with healthy knees and 13 with variable KOA classification. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) determined KOA's severity. The WOMAC score categorized the volunteers into three groups based on disease severity. Data on the postural characteristics of the volunteers were collected during voluntary walking. WOMAC scores were analyzed to correlate with the degree of pelvic tilt and the angle of movement of the knee and hip joints. A linear regression model showed a correlation coefficient of 0.98. The severity of KOA was predicted by the degree of pelvic tilt knee and hip mobility angles. The identified characteristics can be used to guide rehabilitation and progress assessment.