Bilateral Knee Strength Asymmetry and Functional Performance in Older Women With Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that commonly affects the knee, especially in individuals over 50. It leads to pain, reduced mobility, and functional decline. In bilateral knee OA, muscle imbalances, especially in the quadriceps and hamstrings, worsen functional limitations and increase the risk of falls. These imbalances are caused by pain, joint instability, and cartilage damage, affecting muscle strength and coordination. In older women, these issues are more pronounced, increasing their risk of functional decline compared to men. Emerging research highlights the role of muscle strength asymmetry (differences between the left and right leg) in functional difficulties, such as poor balance, walking issues, and difficulty with daily tasks. This study aims to explore how these muscle imbalances in knee extensors and flexors impact overall functional abilities, such as balance and walking efficiency in women with bilateral knee OA. The study seeks to examine how bilateral strength asymmetry in the knee muscles affects dynamic balance, gait efficiency, and mobility in older women with knee osteoarthritis. The hypothesis is that greater muscle imbalance will lead to worse balance, slower walking, and reduced mobility.