Gerontological Nursing Interventions Research Center (GNIRC)

Title: Evaluation of Stiffness in Knee Osteoarthritis
Principal Investigator: Kathryn Burks, PhD, RN
Study Site: University of Missouri-Columbia

Abstract
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in older adults. Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, and loss of functional ability. Although functional limitations are often attributed to pain and stiffness, the relationship of these variables to physical disability is poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to collect pilot data regarding levels of joint stiffness and damping, as well as pain and physical functioning in a group of 30 older adults with and without clinical symptoms of OA of the knee to gain experinece in measurement techniques and to determine correlation of these variables in a small sample. Stiffness and damping will be measured suing the modified pendulum test, and objective measure of knee motion. Physical functioning will be assessed using a battery of timed lower extremity tests. Self-reported levels of pain, stiffness, and physical functioning will also be collected. This study will provide preliminary data for a larger study that will further examine the relationship of stiffness to pain and physical function. The long-term goal of this program of research is to develop an effective intervention for the improvement of mobility and functional ability in elderly people with OA of the knee.