Authors

  1. Nakano, Hideki PhD, PT
  2. Murata, Shin PhD, PT
  3. Kai, Yoshihiro PhD, PT
  4. Abiko, Teppei PhD, PT
  5. Matsuo, Dai BA
  6. Kawaguchi, Michio BA
  7. Matsumoto, Takeshi PT
  8. Yoshiura, Yuji PT
  9. Sumi, Michihiro MD, PhD

Abstract

Observations: The effects of shoes reducing varus instability of the knee on gait parameters, knee pain, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis were investigated.

 

Methods: Twelve patients with medial knee osteoarthritis wore shoes reducing varus instability of the knee.

 

Results and Conclusions: Gait velocity, stride length, step length, knee pain, and Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure scores significantly improved in the postintervention period compared with the pre- and postcontrol periods. Therefore, shoes reducing varus instability of the knee can effectively improve gait parameters, knee pain, and HRQOL in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis.