Medial arch supports do not significantly alter the knee adduction moment in people with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of medial arch supports on indices of medial knee joint load (the peak external knee adduction moment (KAM) and knee adduction angular (KAA) impulse) and knee pain during walking in people with medial knee osteoarthritis (OA). Design: Twenty-one people with medial compartment OA underwent gait analysis in standardised athletic shoes wearing (1) no medial arch supports and (2) prefabricated medial arch supports, in random order. Outcomes were the first and second peaks in the external KAM, the KAA impulse and severity of knee pain during testing. Outcomes were compared across conditions using paired t tests (gait data) and Wilcoxon..