Trunk movement compensation identified by inertial measurement units is associated with deficits in physical performance, muscle strength and functional capacity in people with hip osteoarthritis. (August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Christensen, Jesse C.; Quammen, David L.; Rigby, Justin H.; Christiansen, Cory L.; Stevens-Lapsley, Jennifer E.
• Is Part Of: Clinical biomechanics. Volume 88(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-08
• Subjects: Hip osteoarthritis -- Trunk movement compensation -- Inertial measurement units -- Six-minute walk test -- Muscle strength; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Osteopathic medicine -- Periodicals; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Osteopathic Medicine -- Periodicals; 612.76
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2021.105436
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0268-0033

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Trunk movement compensation characterized as ipsilateral trunk lean and posterior rotation with respect to pelvis during stance phase of walking is common in people with hip osteoarthritis and a biomarker of deficits in physical function in older adults. However, the relationship between trunk movement compensation on deficits in physical performance, muscle strength and functional capacity is unknown. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. Two inertial measurement units were used to assess trunk movement compensation during the six-minute-walk-test. Knee extension, knee flexion and hip abduction strength were measured using hand-held dynamometer. Multivariate regression models, controlling for self-reported hip pain, were used to regress trunk movement compensation onto six-minute-walk-test and muscle strength measures. Pairwise t -tests were used to evaluate the difference trunk movement compensation has on functional capacity by comparing the first and last minute of the six-minute-walk-test. Findings: Thirty-five participants (63.3 ± 7.4 years, 57% male, 28.6 ± 4.5 kg/m 2 ) were enrolled. Greater trunk movement compensation was related to poorer six-minute-walk-test ( p = 0.03; r = −0.46). Greater hip abduction weakness was related to increased trunk movement compensation in both the sagittal ( p = 0.05; r = −0.44) and frontal ( p = 0.04; r = −0.38) planes. Participants demonstrated greater frontal plane trunk movement compensation during the last minute compared to the first minute of the six-minute-walk-test ( p < 0.01). Interpretation: Trunk movement compensation, identified by inertial measure units, is a clinically relevant measure and has a moderate-to-strong relationship on deficits in physical performance, muscle strength and functional capacity. Inertial measurement units can be used as a practical means of measuring movement quality in the clinical setting. Highlights: Greater trunk movement compensation is associated with reduced six-minute walk distance. Hip abduction weakness is associated with increased trunk movement compensation during walking. Prolonged walking increases trunk movement compensation in people with hip osteoarthritis.