Assessing Step Count-Dependent Changes in Femoral Articular Cartilage Using Ultrasound.

Objectives: To evaluate changes in the femoral cartilage cross-sectional area (CSA) measured with ultrasound (US) between baseline and 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 steps of walking on a treadmill.

Methods: Forty-one healthy individuals completed a single testing session. Participants rested with their knees extended on a plinth for 45 minutes to unload the femoral cartilage.