Influence Of Different Walking Surfaces on Sy...

Influence Of Different Walking Surfaces on Symptoms And Functional Disability Assessed Using Crd Western Ontario And Mcmaster Osteoarthritis Index (Womac) In Knee Osteoarthritis Patients Wearing Sport Shoes Of Age 55-75 Years

Author Name : Dr. Pooja Darshan Patil, Dr. Namrata Bhadbhade

ABSTRACT

Aim: To estimate the influence of different walking surfaces (soft, cement, tar, grass, mixed) on symptoms and functional disability assessed using CRD Western Ontario and McMaster osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) in knee osteoarthritis patients wearing sport shoes of age 55-75 years.

Objectives:This observational- cross sectional study estimated the influence of different walking surface on symptoms and functional disability assessed using CRD Western Ontario and McMaster osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) in knee osteoarthritis patients wearing sport shoes of age 55-75 years.

Method:158 participants were selected according to the inclusion criteria. Inclusion of hill climbing in the walking exercise, past medical history, addiction histories along with shoe characteristics measurements such as heel height and collar height were taken. General instructions regarding self-administration of CRD WOMAC were given and CRD WOMAC was filled by each participant in their respective language. (English, Marathi, Hindi)

Results: After analysis it was observed that almost 50% of the study population walked on major hard surface, followed by about 25% using major soft surfaces. Only few used tar surface. CRD WOMAC scores were higher for harder surfaces as compared to those when the surface was softer. The difference was statistically significant (F = 89.674, p<0.0001).Average CRD WOMAC score was higher (48.15 ± 1.493) among those who did hill climbing as compared to those who did not (37.27 ± 0.698). Heel height (r=0.05, p= 0.488) and collar height (r= 0.054, p= 0.054) were not significantly correlated with CRD WOMAC score.

Conclusion: The present study indicates that major hard walking surfaces have the highest influence on the symptoms and functional disability followed by tar, major soft, soft and least on grass surface. Inclusion of hill climbing influences symptoms and functional disability but heel height and collar height does not have any influence on OA knee patients.

Keywords: CRD WOMAC, Different surfaces, Knee Osteoarthritis, walking