Reduced Pulmonary Function Association with Abnormal Muscle Activation with Knee Osteoarthritis and Increased...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Cardiology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is often associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
• Understanding the interplay between cardiopulmonary function, physical activity, and muscle activation in knee OA patients with CVD risk is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore cardiopulmonary function, physical activity levels, and lower-limb muscle activation in individuals with knee OA and increased CVD risk.
• To identify potential non-invasive markers for detecting CVD risk in knee OA patients.

Main Methods:

• Assessed pulmonary function (FVC, MVV) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CPET).
• Collected surface electromyography (sEMG) from lower-limb muscles during stair climbing.
• Administered the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).

Main Results:

• Knee OA with CVD risk group showed reduced vigorous physical activity and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV).
• Increased biceps femoris (BF) muscle activation was observed during stair climbing in the knee OA with CVD risk group.
• A negative relationship was found between lower MVV and greater BF activation in the at-risk group.

Conclusions:

• Surface electromyography (sEMG) can identify aberrant muscle activation patterns in knee OA patients at risk of CVD.
• In at-risk individuals, better cardiovascular function (higher MVV) correlates with more balanced knee muscle coordination (lower BF activation).