Comparison of medial femoral cartilage deformation in normal adults according to gait conditions

This study aimed to explore the deformation of medial femoral cartilage in normal adults according to gait conditions. Overall, 76 normal adults without degenerative arthritis or a knee injury on medical history were randomly assigned into control, flatland walk, slope walk, and stepper walk groups. The control group was rested for 30 min, the test group performed flatland walking, 16° slope walking, and stepper walking, respectively. The thickness of medial femoral cartilage before and after gait was evaluated through ultrasound test. Compared with the control group, a significant difference was noted for medial femoral cartilage deformation before and after gait in all the three groups. Comparison of the medial femoral cartilage deformation among the groups revealed a significant difference between the control group and the flatland walk, slope walk, and stepper walk groups (P<0.05). The flatland walk group had a significant difference between the slope walk group and stepper walk group (P<0.05), whereas no significant difference was noted between the slope walk and stepper walk groups (P>0.05). After a 30-min walk, the thickness of medial femoral cartilage was reduced, and a difference in deformation was noted according to gait conditions. The thickness of medial femoral cartilage was reduced more in the stepper walk and slope walk groups, wherein more load operates on the knee, than the flatland walk group.