Isokinetic testing of muscle strength in older adults with knee osteoarthritis: An integrative review

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is common among older adults and associated with impaired knee strength. OBJECTIVE: Describe isokinetic testing procedures and clinimetric findings associated with the testing of knee strength in the presence of knee OA. METHODS: Relevant articles were identified by an electronic search of PubMed using the search string 'isokinet∗ AND knee osteoarthritis.' RESULTS: One-hundred and twenty-nine relevant articles were found. The articles support the validity and reliability of isokinetic strength testing for patients with knee OA. The responsiveness to various therapeutic interventions has been reported. CONCLUSIONS: Isokinetic dynamometry is a valid and reliable measure of muscle strength in knee OA.