Building quad strength improves function in women with osteoarthritis

Modest improvements in quadricep strength are linked to better performance in chair-stand tests in women – but not men – who have (or are at risk for) knee osteoarthritis says a study in Arthritis Care & Research.

In 1,534 adults, 22% of men and 30% of women increased strength of their quadriceps by at least 15% over a five-year period.

Women whose strength increased had improved chair stand performance but no improvements in other functions (compared to women whose strength did not change). In men, increase in strength was not associated with significant improvement in physical function.

“We found an increase in quadriceps strength was associated with improved chair stand performance in women, but not improved walk time or self-reported functional limitations,” the authors report. “An increase in strength was not associated with change in performance-based physical function in men. Modest strength improvements may have limited effects on common functions. Targeted interventions may be required to improve functional status.”

Click here to read the original findings.

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