Abstract
Abstract
Background
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by progressive joint degradation and altered gait biomechanics. Inter-limb load asymmetry during daily living tasks may accelerate joint deterioration, particularly when combined with physical fatigue. This study investigates the relationship between daily physical fatigue and inter-limb load asymmetry patterns during functional activities in individuals with unilateral knee OA.
Objective
To evaluate the impact of fatigue on inter-limb load asymmetry and joint loading rates during daily living tasks in patients with unilateral knee osteoarthritis, and to identify biomechanical and clinical factors associated with load distribution patterns.
Methods
One hundred eighteen participants with unilateral knee OA (mean age 62.6 (SD 7.4) years, BMI 29.9 (SD 4.2) kg/m
2
) completed biomechanical assessments during non-fatigued and fatigued conditions. Ground reaction force measurements were obtained during functional tasks including stair climbing, sit-to-stand transitions, and level walking. Load asymmetry was quantified as the inter-limb difference in peak vertical ground reaction forces. Statistical analysis was conducted using Python (v3.9), including paired t-tests, analysis of variance, and linear regression modeling.
Results
Participants demonstrated significantly increased load asymmetry under fatigue conditions (mean difference 8.7% (SD 12.3) %,
p
r
= -0.68, p 2
= 0.52,
p
Conclusions
Physical fatigue exacerbates inter-limb load asymmetry in unilateral knee OA, potentially accelerating joint degeneration. Task-specific interventions targeting fatigue management and load redistribution may improve long-term outcomes. Future longitudinal studies should examine the temporal relationship between acute biomechanical changes and progressive structural joint damage.