Objective
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is conducting a research study that will help us better understand how supporting your body weight while walking on a treadmill will impact the function of the muscles in your leg that move your knee. We specifically want to compare the effects of body weight support between knees with osteoarthritis and healthy, pain-free knees.
Participants will be asked to walk on the AlterG (“Anti-Gravity”) Treadmill with sensors on their body that will measure signals from their leg muscles.
The session will last roughly two hours. Some participants will be asked to return for additional sessions, for up to a total of three visits.
Who Can Participate
Inclusion:
- Able to walk for 30 minutes without rest and without the use of aids (e.g. canes)
- Diagnosis of unilateral or bilateral knee OA
- Clinical AND/OR radiographic knee OA
Exclusion:
- History of lower extremity total joint arthroplasty
- Current cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled hypertension
- History of a neurological disorder that affects lower extremity function (e.g. stroke, peripheral neuropathy)
- Current ankle or hip pain
- Currently pregnant
- Weight over 400lbs, height less than 4'8" or over 6'4", over 18.5" hip width, or over 58" hip circumference
Compensation
Participants will be compensated $30 per session for their time and effort. Those who need to travel by car will be compensated for parking at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Age Range
50-100
