Knee Joint Moments in 3D during Level Gait

The objective of present study is to determine if gender differences are likely relevant to the occurrence and progression of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: A total of 24 healthy young adults (12 females) were recruited. All participants walked barefoot at self-selected velocity. Three-dimensional motion capture data were collected in synchrony with ground reaction force data. 3-dimensional moments at knee joint were computed through an Inverse Dynamics model. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between young healthy males and females in sagittal and frontal planes. However, females demonstrated 30% higher internal moment than male at 55% supporting phase. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the repeated and cumulative overload has a negative effect on the knee cartilage and ligament in transverse plane and therefore may be responsible for that females occurs double the incidence of KOA compared with male.