Lower Extremity Muscle Strength and Risk of Self-Reported Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis

Jennifer M. Hootman, Shannon FitzGerald, Carol A. Macera, Steven N. Blair
2004 Journal of Physical Activity and Health  
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the gender-specific longitudinal association between quadriceps strength and self-reported, physician-diagnosed hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Subjects were 3081 community-dwelling adults who were free of OA, joint symptoms and injuries, completed a maximum treadmill exercise test, had isokinetic knee extension and flexion and isotonic leg press strength measurements taken at baseline and returned at least one written follow-up
more » ... vey. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Women with moderate or high isokinetic quadriceps strength had a significantly reduced risk (55% to 64%) of hip or knee OA. A similar, nonsignificant trend was noted among men. Moderate isotonic leg press strength was protective for hip or knee osteoarthritis among men only. Conclusions: These results suggest that quadriceps weakness is an independent and modifiable risk factor for lower extremity OA, particularly among women.
doi:10.1123/jpah.1.4.321 fatcat:elfphyfyjrcpxjc6yyovo2i2w4