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Updated: Jan 20, 2026
Author Spotlight: Investigating the Mechanism of Action of Acupotomy in Treating Knee Osteoarthritis
Published on: October 20, 2023
Varus-valgus motion and functional ability in patients with knee osteoarthritis
M van der Esch1, M Steultjens, J Harlaar
1Jan van Breemen Institute, Center for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation. Jan van Breemenstraat 2, 1056 AB Amsterdam, The Netherlands. M.vd.Esch@janvanbreemen.nl
Objective:
To assess the relationship between knee varus-valgus motion and functional ability, and the impact of knee varus-valgus motion on the relationship between muscle strength and functional ability in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.
Methods:
Sixty-three patients with knee OA were tested. Varus-valgus motion was assessed by optoelectronic recording and three-dimensional motion analysis. Functional ability was assessed by observation, using a 100 m walking test, a Get Up and Go test, and WOMAC questionnaire. Muscle strength was measured by a computer-driven isokinetic dynamometer. Regression analyses were performed to assess the relationships between varus-valgus motion and functional ability, and to assess the impact of varus-valgus motion on the relationship between muscle strength and functional ability.
Results:
In patients with high varus-valgus range of motion, muscle weakness was associated with a stronger reduction in functional ability (ie, longer walking time and Get Up and Go time) than in patients with low varus-valgus range of motion. A pronounced varus position and a difference between the left and right knees in varus-valgus position were related with reduced functional ability.
Conclusions:
In patients with knee OA with high varus-valgus range of motion, muscle weakness has a stronger impact on functional ability than in patients with low varus-valgus range of motion. Patients with knee OA with more pronounced varus knees during walking show a stronger reduction in functional ability than patients with less pronounced varus knees or with valgus knees.
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