Data using an accelerometer to measure lateral knee thrust was evaluated in 30 osteoarthritic knees (12 men, 18 women, mean age 62 years [55-72]) and 30 normal knees (18 men, 12 women, mean age 28 years [22-38]) under the following conditions. [(1) flat ground gait, (2) 30° up slope gait, (3) 30° down slope gait, (4) stairs climbing, (5) stairs descending, (6) flat ground gait with 20 kg load.]
Compared with the value for flat ground gait, the peak value of acceleration after heel strike showed a significant increase with a 30° down slope, stairs descending, flat ground gait with 20kg load, all of which were considered factors which exacerbated osteoarthritic knees.