Evaluation and correlation of muscle strength and power with functionality in elderly with knee Osteoarthritis, symptomatic and asymptomatic

• Grant number: 12/12900-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): October 01, 2013
• Effective date (End): September 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Daniela Cristina Carvalho de Abreu
• Grantee: Carina Junqueira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

During the aging process, changes occur in the musculoskeletal system significantly, which may favor to the onset of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the appearance of OA is not a natural consequence of aging, and therefore seek ways to prevent its development or aggravation is important to decrease the inability of the elderly. This inability may be related to changes in muscle function, but due to the scarce literature, there are insufficient data to establish whether there is a correlation between muscle strength and power with the functionality of the individuals affected by knee OA, mainly related to the elderly population. Objective: To evaluate the muscle strength and power of the lower limbs in the elderly with knee osteoarthritis in early grades, and correlate with functional capacity. Methods: Participants of the survey 34 women, aged 60-80 years, which will be divided into 2 groups: Group A (n = 17) comprised women affected by knee OA symptomatically, and group B (n = 17) consisting of women affected knee OA, but asymptomatic. Volunteers answer the WOMAC questionnaire. Will be evaluated concentric isokinetic extensor muscles for analysis of muscle strength and power by Biodex equipment, the respective velocities, 60 °/s, and 180 º/s, beyond the test sitting and standing 5 times clocked. For statistical analyzes will be performed Student's t-test and Pearson correlation test with significance set at p d 0.05. The present study is expected to better understand the relationship between muscle strength and power with the reduced functional capacity of the elderly affected by knee osteoarthritis in asymptomatic and asymptomatic. (AU)