Compression of Hamstring and Quadriceps Muscles Strength in Patients with Osteoarthritis of Knee and Normal individual

Objectives: 1. To assess the strength of hamstring and quadriceps in patients with knee OA with 1 RM.

To compare the strength of hamstring and quadriceps with normal individuals.

Research Design: Observational study.

Introduction: Quadriceps and hamstring muscle weakness is commonly found in knee OA which may alter normal Quadriceps/Hamstrings ratio i.e. (2:1). So the purpose of the study was to check the strength of the quadriceps and hamstring muscle in OA knee patients and compare it with normal individual.

Method: 20 diagnosed knee OA patients and 21 normal individuals were recruited. Quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength was measured in both case and normal group by using 1 RM method. Q/H ratio was obtained from the muscle strength and both were compared between two groups by using T test.

Materials: Quadriceps table, Metal weight plate, Plinth, Sand bag.

Results & Discussion: Quadriceps and hamstring strength were reduced significantly (p=<0.001) in patients with knee OA compare to normal individual. There was negative co relation between pain and muscle strength seen. No alteration in Q/H ratio (Rt knee p=0.130; Lt knee p=0.722) between the case & control found because both the muscle strength reduced similarly.

Conclusion: Quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength is significantly reduced in OA knee.

Patients compare to normal individuals but no alteration in Q/H ratio seen in both groups.