• Anu M Valtonen, Tapani Pöyhönen, Mikko Manninen, Ari Heinonen, and Sarianna Sipilä.
• Department of Human Movement and Functioning, Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki, Finland; Rehabilitation and Pain Unit, Kymenlaakso Central Hospital, Carea, Kotka, Finland. Electronic address: anu.valtonen@metropolia.fi.
• Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2015 Feb 1; 96 (2): 253-9.

ObjectivesTo determine the extent of asymmetrical deficits in knee extensor and flexor muscles, and to examine whether asymmetrical muscle deficits are associated with mobility limitations in persons with late-stage knee osteoarthritis (OA).DesignCross-sectional.SettingResearch laboratory.ParticipantsA clinical sample (N=56; age range, 50-75y) of eligible persons with late-stage knee OA awaiting knee replacement.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresKnee extensor and flexor power and torque assessed isokinetically; thigh muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) assessed by computed tomography; mobility limitation assessed by walking speed and stair ascension time; and pain assessed with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index questionnaire.ResultsThe asymmetrical deficits in knee extensor and flexor power and torque were between 18% and 29% (P<.001). Regarding the thigh muscle CSA, the asymmetrical deficit was 4% (P<.001). Larger asymmetrical knee extensor power deficits and weaker knee extensor and flexor power on the contralateral side were associated with slower stair ascension times. Moreover, weaker knee extensor and flexor power on the ipsilateral side were associated with slower stair ascension times. Greater knee pain in the OA joint was independently associated with slower stair ascending time in both models.ConclusionsThe knee extensor and flexor muscle power of both the ipsilateral and contralateral sides and the pain in the OA knee were independently associated with stair ascension times. These results highlight the importance of assessing muscle power on both sides and knee pain in the prevention of mobility limitations in patients with knee OA.Copyright © 2015 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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