Evaluation of vastus lateralis architecture and strength of knee extensors in middle-aged and older individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate any differences in muscle architecture (fascicle angle, fascicle length, and muscle thickness) and muscle strength in people of different ages with and without knee osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 40 individuals with and 40 without knee OA. Four groups were analyzed, middle-aged OA group (KL II/III) aged 40-50 years (n = 20), middle-aged healthy (H) group aged 40-50 years (n = 20), older OA group (KL II/III) aged 70 years and over (n = 20), and older H group, aged 70 years and over (n = 20). Outcomes analyzed were isometric and isokinetic peak torque of knee extensors, level of physical activity, self-reported pain level, and vastus lateralis fascicle length, fascicle angle, and muscle thickness assessed by ultrasound. One-way ANOVA was used to identify differences between groups, followed by the Tukey post hoc test.

RESULTS

There were no differences between the middle-aged OA group and older H group for any variables. The older OA group presented the smallest muscle architecture parameters and worst isometric and concentric peak torques compared to the other three groups (p < 0.001). In contrast, the middle-aged H group presented the largest muscle architecture parameters and was the strongest group compared to the others (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of knee OA is associated with early muscular changes and seems to intensify these thigh changes that are similar to the effects of the aging process.