Factors Affecting the Walking Speed of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the walking speed of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Subjects: The subjects were 54 patients with knee OA. Methods: The subjects were divided into three groups by walking speed. The high speed and low speed groups were compared using following factors: age, sex, physical characteristics, and physical functions. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors significantly associated with the walking speed. Results: There were significant differences in age, height, knee extensor and flexor strength between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis showed knee flexor strength (cut-off point: 0.31 Nm/kg) to be significantly associated with walking speed. Conclusion: This results suggest that knee flexor strength is important for the improvement of the walking ability of patients with knee OA.