Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
06:35
Using Gold-standard Gait Analysis Methods to Assess Experience Effects on Lower-limb Mechanics During Moderate High-heeled Jogging and Running
Published on: September 14, 2017
Changes in in vivo knee contact forces through gait modification.
Allison L Kinney1, Thor F Besier, Amy Silder
1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
Summary
Using hiking poles can significantly reduce knee joint forces in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Long poles and wide placement were most effective, offering insights for non-invasive OA management.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
- Kinesiology
Background:
- Knee osteoarthritis (OA) frequently affects the medial compartment, often due to cartilage overloading.
- Gait modification is a non-invasive approach to alleviate medial knee compartment forces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of various gait modifications in altering medial knee contact forces.
- To identify optimal gait strategies for reducing knee joint loading in OA.
Main Methods:
- A single subject with a force-measuring knee replacement performed nine modified gait patterns.
- Four modifications involved different hiking pole configurations (length, placement).
- Medial and lateral knee contact forces were measured throughout the stance phase.
Main Results:
- Walking with long, widely placed hiking poles significantly reduced medial contact force by up to 34% (at 75% stance).
- Lateral contact force was reduced by up to 26% (at 50% stance) with this configuration.
- These reductions were observed during the stance phase of gait.
Conclusions:
- Optimal bilateral hiking pole configuration shows potential for significantly reducing medial and lateral knee compartment forces.
- Gait modification using specific hiking pole strategies may offer a viable non-invasive treatment for medial knee OA.
- Further research is warranted to validate these findings in a larger cohort.
