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Copyright of Physiotherapy Canada is the property of University of Toronto Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Physiotherapy Canada is the property of University of Toronto Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: To investigate the association of knee-extensor strength and power to performance in the 30-second sit-to-stand test (30sSTS) in healthy older adults. Method: In a cross-sectional study of 29 healthy older adults aged 60-82 years (12 male, 17 female), hierarchical regression was used to determine the relationship of knee-extensor concentric and eccentric strength, peak rate of torque development (peak RTD) using isokinetic dynamometry, and momentum variables with the number of sit-to-stand repetitions completed in 30 seconds (30sSTSreps). Results: Concentric (180°/s) and eccentric (90°/s) knee-extensor strength were significant independent predictors of 30sSTSreps after controlling for physical activity level, height and weight (adjusted R2=0.425, p=0.004; adjusted R2=0.427, p=0.004 respectively), as was concentric (90°/s) knee-extensor peak RTD (adjusted R2=0.424, p=0.004). Peak linear vertical momentum (PLVM) (adjusted R2=0.615, p<0.001) accounted for 36% of the variance. Conclusions: Generation of PLVM is an important predictor of 30sSTSreps; knee-extensor concentric and eccentric strength and power are associated with improved performance in this common functional task. Focusing on these parameters in exercise interventions may improve functional performance and give insight into specific factors related to success on the test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of intra-articular corticosteroid injection (ICI) on ipsilateral knee flexion/extension, ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion (DF/PF), and hip abduction/adduction (abd/add) during stance phase in people with an acute exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of the knee joint. The study also assessed the effects of ICI on spatiotemporal parameters of gait and functional status in this group. Methods: Nine people with an exacerbation of RA of the knee were recruited. Kinematic and spatiotemporal gait parameters were obtained for each participant. Knee-related functional status was assessed using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Spatiotemporal gait parameters and joint angles (knee flexion, ankle DF/PF, hip abd/add) of the affected side were compared pre- and post-ICI. Results: Data for eight people were available for analysis. Median values for knee flexion and ankle PF increased significantly following ICI. Gait parameters of cadence, velocity, bilateral stride length, bilateral step length, step width, double-support percentage, and step time on the affected side also showed improvement. Pain and knee-related functional status as measured by the KOOS showed improvement. Conclusions: This study demonstrated a beneficial short-term effect of ICI on knee-joint movements, gait parameters, and knee-related functional status in people with acute exacerbation of RA of the knee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]