Study of Muscle Strength, Power, and Motor Control Loss to Predict Falls in Older Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how muscle power, strength, and motor control loss relate to the risk of falling in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. The study aims to determine whether muscle power and motor control decline are better predictors of falls than muscle strength. This research focuses on elderly patients who are more prone to falls and seeks to develop a detailed method for assessing muscle power and strength in this group. Participants will undergo several tests including muscle force and power assessments using a dynamometer, stair climbing tests on instrumented stairs, and mobility monitoring at home with wearable sensors. They will also have full lower limb MRI scans and gait evaluations with motion capture and muscle activity measurements. The study lasts 24 months with five visits at 6-month intervals, performing muscle tests and mobility monitoring at each visit, while MRI and gait assessments are done only at the start and end. During the study, participants will be monitored for muscle force, power, muscle activation, and mobility outcomes at each visit. Additional measures include musculoskeletal model predictions and muscle volume changes. The study collects detailed imaging, electromyography, and functional data to track changes over time and aims to provide insights into preventing falls. Participants will be followed closely for two years, with assessments scheduled every six months.

Analysis of the Loss of Muscle Force, Power and Motor Control to Predict the Risk of Falls in Patients With Knee OA