Knee biomechanics during popular recreational and daily activities in older men

Physical activity is recommended for older adults, including those with knee pathology. However, demands on the knee during popular recreational activities are unclear. The study purpose was to determine knee biomechanics in healthy older men during golf and bowling and compare them to activities of daily living.

Three-dimensional motion analysis was used to determine knee biomechanics in 19 healthy males (45-73 years): 11 golfers and eight bowlers. Subjects performed walking, stair ascent, stair descent, and either golf or bowling. Comparisons were made between the recreational activity and activities of daily living.

During bowling, flexion angle at peak extensor moment was as high as during stair descent, and peak extensor moment was as high as during stair ascent. For the golf lead knee, flexion angle at peak extensor moment and peak extensor moment were as high as during stair ascent, and peak abduction moment, internal and external rotation angles were larger than during all activities of daily living. Peak external rotation angle for the golf trail knee was larger than all activities of daily living.

The greatest challenge for the knee of healthy older males during bowling is eccentric control of knee flexion. Golf poses challenges in all three planes of motion for the lead knee and in the transverse plane for the trail knee.

Comparing mechanical demands on the knee during bowling and golf to those of stair negotiation provides a reference for clinicians when recommending recreational activities for older adults with knee pathology.