Evaluation of Muscle Oxygenation and Recovery Dynamics in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis

Summary

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by pain, muscle weakness, and functional limitations that significantly affect lower limb muscle performance. Structural and physiological alterations in the quadriceps muscle, particularly in the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), have been reported in individuals with knee OA, including reductions in muscle cross-sectional area, intramuscular fat infiltration, vascular changes, and impaired neuromuscular activation. Muscle oxygenation (SmO₂) is an objective indicator of the metabolic status and circulatory capacity of skeletal muscle. However, the oxygenation dynamics of the quadriceps muscle before and after exercise in individuals with knee OA have not been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study is to evaluate VMO muscle oxygenation at rest, during exercise, and during the recovery period in individuals with knee OA and to compare these parameters with age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. In addition, the study will examine the relationship between muscle oxygenation parameters, muscle strength, functional performance, and pain levels. Understanding these physiological responses may provide insight into the metabolic mechanisms underlying muscle dysfunction in knee OA and may contribute to the development of more individualized rehabilitation strategies.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 45 and 65 years
* Body mass index (BMI) below 30 kg/m²
* Willingness to participate in the study

Additional criteria for the knee osteoarthritis group:

* Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis confirmed by a physician according to the American College of Rheumatology diagnostic criteria
* Bilateral knee osteoarthritis classified as Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 or 3

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of another orthopedic or rheumatologic condition affecting the lower extremity
* Uncontrolled hypertension
* Presence of lower extremity arterial or venous disorders
* Presence of a neurological disease
* Cognitive, learning, or perception impairments
* Knee extension deficit
* Physical activity level exceeding 600 MET-min/week according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF)
* Participation in a physiotherapy and rehabilitation program for knee osteoarthritis within the last 6 months
* Intra-articular knee injection within the past 6 months

Conditions3

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