Several studies have had mixed results
about the benefits of quadriceps strength on knee arthritis. Some show that weaker quadriceps are
associated with greater knee pain and impaired function while others do not
show a difference. Most of the
studies, however, focus on the main part of the knee where the femur (thigh)
and tibia (shin) bones meet the tibiofemoral joint, neglecting to include the
area of the knee where the patella (kneecap) and femur meet (patellofemoral
joint).
A new study out has looked at both areas of
the knee as well as knee arthritis symptoms. The authors studied 265 men and women for 30 months. Baseline MRIs were obtained as well assessment
of quadriceps strength, severity of knee pain, physical function and knee
alignment.
The results showed that greater strength
had no influence on cartilage loss at the tibiofemoral joint, but greater
strength did protect against cartilage loss at the outer part of the patellofemoral
joint, a common site for cartilage loss. Also, those
with the greater quadriceps function had less knee pain and better physical
function. The authors of the study
believe that greater strength of the vastus medialis (part of quadriceps muscle)
helps to pulls the kneecap inward, stabilizing and preventing cartilage loss.
Furthermore, several short-term studies
have shown that greater quadriceps strength is associated with improved knee
function and less pain. The bottom
line . . . keep those muscles in shape!!
URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/135408.php
Shreyasee,
A. "Quadriceps Strength and the
Risk for Cartilage Loss and Symptom Progression in Knee
Osteoarthritis." Arthritis and
Rheumatism60:1 (2009):
189-198.
Several studies have had mixed results about the benefits of quadriceps strength on knee arthritis. Some show that weaker quadriceps are associated with greater knee pain and impaired function while others do not show a difference. Most of the studies, however, focus on the main part of the knee where the femur (thigh) and tibia (shin) bones meet the tibiofemoral joint, neglecting to include the area of the knee where the patella (kneecap) and femur meet (patellofemoral joint).
A new study out has looked at both areas of the knee as well as knee arthritis symptoms. The authors studied 265 men and women for 30 months. Baseline MRIs were obtained as well assessment of quadriceps strength, severity of knee pain, physical function and knee alignment.
The results showed that greater strength had no influence on cartilage loss at the tibiofemoral joint, but greater strength did protect against cartilage loss at the outer part of the patellofemoral joint, a common site for cartilage loss. Also, those with the greater quadriceps function had less knee pain and better physical function. The authors of the study believe that greater strength of the vastus medialis (part of quadriceps muscle) helps to pulls the kneecap inward, stabilizing and preventing cartilage loss.
Furthermore, several short-term studies have shown that greater quadriceps strength is associated with improved knee function and less pain. The bottom line . . . keep those muscles in shape!!
URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/135408.php
Shreyasee, A. "Quadriceps Strength and the Risk for Cartilage Loss and Symptom Progression in Knee Osteoarthritis." Arthritis and Rheumatism60:1 (2009): 189-198.