The knee kinematic patterns and associated factors in healthy Thai adults

BACKGROUND: Reference values for normal knee kinematics were limited in Asian population and were influenced by race and other factors. This study was aimed to establish the reference values and identify the factors associated with knee kinematics in healthy Thai adults, aged 18–40 years. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted between 2016 and 2020. Healthy Thai adults aged 18–40 years old with body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m(2) were included. All eligible participants were attached with reflective markers. Their walking was captured by 8-digital cameras, and assessed by motion analysis software. The primary outcomes were average knee kinematic data (degrees) in three dimensional planes as valgus-varus, flexion-extension, and internal-external rotation. Paired t-test and multiple linear regression were applied to compare the outcomes and to determine their associated factors. RESULTS: Ninety-eight participants (60 females and 38 males) were included with mean age 28.5 ± 5.4 years, and BMI 21.1 ± 2.0 kg/m(2). Knee kinematics showed slight adduction during the swing phase, flexion during the stance phase, and obvious external rotation throughout the gait cycle, with a peak of 30–31 degrees during mid-swing. Right knee was significantly more adducted, flexed and externally rotated than the left side, particularly at mid-stance (P = 0.047, 0.017, and < 0.001, respectively). Females had more knee abduction, flexion and external rotation than males. Age, sex, and BMI were significantly correlated with knee abduction at terminal stance (correlation coefficient − 0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.23, -0.01; -1.37, 95%CI -2.54, -0.20; and − 0.32, 95%CI -0.61, -0.39, respectively), and rotation at mid-swing (correlation coefficient − 0.36, 95%CI -0.69, -0.02; -7.37, 95%CI -10.82, -3.92; and 0.89, 95%CI 0.01, 1.78, respectively). CONCLUSION: Knee kinematics demonstrates external tibial rotation throughout the gait cycle, significant side differences, and are associated with age, sex, and BMI. Reference values from this study will be useful for functional gait assessment in healthy Thais. However, further comprehensive knee kinetic study including spatio-temporal parameter is recommended. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-023-07081-7.