Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
In vivo Measurement of Knee Extensor Muscle Function in Mice
Published on: March 4, 2021
Normalized knee-extension strength or leg-press power after fast-track total knee arthroplasty: which measure is most
Peter K Aalund1, Kristian Larsen, Torben B Hansen
1Department of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Holstebro Regional Hospital, Holstebro, Denmark.
Objective:
To investigate which of the 2 muscle-impairment measures for the operated leg, normalized knee extension strength or leg press power, was most closely associated with performance-based and self-reported measures of function shortly after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
Design:
Cross-sectional, exploratory study.
Setting:
Laboratory at a regional hospital.
Participants:
Individuals (N=39) with an average age ± SD of 65.5±10.3 years, who all had unilateral TKA 28 days prior.
Interventions:
None.
Main Outcome Measures:
The patients performed maximal isometric knee extensions and dynamic leg presses to determine their body-mass normalized knee extension strength and leg press power, respectively. The 10-meter fast speed walking- and 30-second chair stand tests were used to determine performance-based function, while the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and Oxford Knee Scores were used to determine self-reported function.
Results:
Normalized leg press power was more closely associated with both performance-based (r=.82, P<.001) and self-reported (r=.48, P=.002) measures of function compared with normalized knee extension strength (r=.51, P=.001 and r=.39, P=.015, respectively).
Conclusions:
Normalized leg press power was more closely associated with both performance-based and self-reported function early after TKA than normalized knee extension strength. It may be explained by the fact that performance-based measures of function are typically closed kinetic chain tasks, such as walking or rising from a chair, and self-reported measures of function typically include questions that address perceived difficulty with performing these same tasks.
