Core Activation and Stabilization for Knee OA

Study Summary

This will be the second investigation by the PI and sub-investigator on this topic, following the promising results of a pilot study on a small sample size (N=5) completed last year. Whether or not core stabilization influences gait impairments in patients with KOA remains to be seen. Core stabilization has been shown to have positive effects, including increased stride velocity and scores on functional tests like the Functional Reach Test and Timed Up and Go, in older adults. Older adults were also shown to have high compliance with a core stability training program. A systematic review indicated that core training is important to consider when treating older individuals to improve functional use of the extremities, improving participation in activities of daily living, and as part of a fall prevention program. Additionally, it has been shown to benefit young, active individuals in preventing anterior cruciate ligament injury and greater duration of improved outcomes in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Athletes with decreased core control have been shown to be at an increased risk of knee injury as well. One potential cause for this is the ability of the core to improve lower extremity kinematics when activated during challenging single leg weight bearing activity. A recent publication by Azuma, et al. did indicate that paraspinal and anterior abdominal thinning had a negative predictive relationship to the presence of KOA; however, no investigation has explored a cause and effect relationship between core stability/stabilization training and the presence or severity of KOA, nor the gait and functional ability of patients with KOA. This later concept is the focus of this investigation.

Interventions

• OTHER Core Stabilization
• OTHER Core Activation