Examining submaximal quadriceps force control in individuals with knee osteoarthritis: preliminary results

We examined differences in submaximal quadriceps force control between test protocols and the relationship between quadriceps force control and pain and function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Ten participants with symptomatic and radiographic knee OA were recruited. Self-reported pain and function were assessed using the Knee Osteoarthritis and Injury Outcome Survey (KOOS). Force control was assessed through two submaximal protocols. Participants were less accurate when required to vary force compared to maintaining a fixed force. The inclusion of healthy age-matched participants would assist in determining if these differences are due to the nature of the task or indicative of impairments associated with knee OA. There were no significant relationships between force accuracy and KOOS subscale scores. Increasing the sample size and including objective functional measures will assist in ascertaining the role of force control in the function of individuals with knee OA.