To investigate whether osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee or bandaging of the knee affects movement detection.
Movement detection levels were determined in 10 women aged > 65 years with moderate to severe knee OA and 10 healthy women matched for age, body mass index, and activity levels. Movements were imposed at 0.5 degrees /second, 1.0 degrees /second, and 2.5 degrees /second. Additionally, detection levels were compared with and without the knee bandaged at a single velocity, (0.5 degrees /second).
Controls perceived significantly smaller movements than OA subjects at all test velocities (P < 0.01). However, the bandage did not affect movement detection (P > 0.05).
Detection of movement at the knee was impaired in subjects with severe knee OA, and a bandage did not improve detection. Thus, considering previous findings that position sense is impaired, a generalized proprioceptive deficit appears to be associated with OA. This deficit could result from loss of receptors, altered muscle function, or the consequent joint instability.