Influence of Foot Function and Morphology on Patient-based Outcomes of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis during Conservative Therapy: A Study Using the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of foot function and morphology on the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM) of patients with conservative knee osteoarthritis. [Participants and Methods] Age, JKOM, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), KL classification, Navicular Drop Test (NDT), toe grip strength, range of motion of plantar flexion and dorsiflexion of the ankle joint, and walking speed of 19 patients were evaluated. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was performed for the evaluated items, followed by multiple regression analysis with the total score of JKOM as the dependent variable and correlating items as explanatory variables. [Results] VAS and NDT were significantly associated with the JKOM total score. The standard partial regression coefficient for VAS was β=0.46, and β=0.40 for NDT. [Conclusion] The VAS and NDT of patients with medial knee osteoarthritis affected JKOM, suggesting that foot function and morphology should be considered in assessing JKOM.