Potential loss of muscle function during dynamic actions caused by significantly decreased muscle strength in older women with hip osteoarthritis

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the results of the hip joint torques within the patients with osteoarthritis (OA). A total of 119 women were divided into 3 groups performing 3 dimensional strength tests. For the measurements a new apparatus was invented and used. Specially designed position was safety and comfortable during testing OA and elderly women. Results: Significant differences (p >= 0.05) in strength tests were found both between body side and muscle groups in most of the performed tests. The biggest unilateral deficit in OA group was found in muscles most important for gait and weight bearing - 0.55 for both flexors and extensors. Surprisingly no lateral difference was found for the hip joint adductors. Analysis of the correlation coefficient between the hip joint muscles proved that complex movements needed well-developed coordination between the muscle groups. The most important agonist muscle coordination occurs between hip extensors and abductors - 0.68 to 0.80. Conclusion: Unilateral hip OA affecting older women is directly responsible for significantly lower muscle strength when compared with both control groups. Lost of balance and coordination needed for dynamic actions like gait is caused by strength asymmetry of crucial hip muscles as well as near zero correlation between important agonist muscles.