Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 28, 2026
06:09
Measuring 3D In-vivo Shoulder Kinematics using Biplanar Videoradiography
Published on: March 12, 2021
3.9K
Assessment of Knee Kinematics in Older Adults Using High-Speed Stereo Radiography
Vasiliki Kefala1, Adam J Cyr, Michael D Harris
11Center for Orthopaedic Biomechanics, The University of Denver, CO; and 2Colorado Joint Replacement, Denver, CO.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|June 15, 2017
Summary
This study quantifies knee motion in healthy older adults, finding that pivoting and step descending involve greater rotation and translation than normal walking. These findings establish a baseline for knee kinematics in this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Quantifying knee motion is crucial for assessing joint function in conditions like osteoarthritis and evaluating treatment outcomes.
- Establishing a baseline for knee kinematics in healthy older adults is essential for comparative analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the kinematic envelope of knee motion in healthy older adults during daily activities.
- To provide a baseline for understanding normal knee joint function in aging populations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a high-speed stereo radiography system to measure 3D tibiofemoral kinematics.
- Recruited eight healthy participants over 55 years old.
- Measured kinematics during seated knee extension, level walking, pivoting, and step descent.
Main Results:
- Normal walking showed average ranges of 3.6° (internal-external rotation), 2.3° (varus-valgus rotation), and 3.4 mm (anterior-posterior translation).
- Step descent and pivoting demonstrated increased internal-external rotation and anterior-posterior translation compared to normal gait.
- Varus-valgus rotation remained consistent across activities, rarely exceeding 6°.
Conclusions:
- Pivoting and step descending exhibit greater knee rotation and translation than normal gait in older adults.
- Internal-external rotation and anterior-posterior translation are activity-dependent, while varus-valgus rotation is consistent.
- Observed knee motion ranges were comparable to younger cohorts, with a slight trend toward reduction in older adults.
