Quantifying the depth of high knee flexion exposures in occupational childcare

High knee flexion postures, despite their association with increased joint loading, are frequently adopted in occupational childcare. This study sought to quantify the frequency and depth of high knee flexion postures adopted by childcare workers in order to evaluate their increased risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA) development. Through video analysis of eighteen childcare workers, nine high knee flexion postures were identified. Posture frequency as well as peak flexion angles achieved in the identified postures were determined. Results suggest that childcare workers currently exceed the established thresholds for knee OA development when working with children of all ages, suggesting a potential for increased risk of OA in these individuals.