Acute effects of different orthotic interventions on knee loading parameters in knee osteoarthritis patients with varus malalignment.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common form of arthritis with an estimated lifetime prevalence of 45%. The use of orthotic devices is a generally accepted conservative therapy in KOA. A new conservative treatment is an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO); however, studies on the biomechanical effects are limited.

Acute and mid-term (six-week) effects of an ankle-foot-orthosis on biomechanical parameters, clinical outcomes and physical activity in knee osteoarthritis patients with varus malalignment.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a painful disease commonly caused by high loads on the articular cartilage. Orthotic interventions aim to reduce mechanical loading, thereby alleviating pain. Traditional orthotics appear effective, but high drop-out rates have been reported over prolonged periods.

Objective assessment of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in knee osteoarthritis patients - beyond daily steps and total sedentary time.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis patients may become physically inactive due to pain and functional limitations. Whether physical activity exerts a protective or harmful effect depends on the frequency, intensity, time and type (F.I.