Gait Modification Treatments for Knee Pathology

Analysis of Pain, Function, and Joint Mechanics in Response to Two Treatments for Knee Pathology

The objective of this study is complete a longitudinal cross-over clinical study to investigate the effect of treatments for knee pathology, including cutaneous stimulation (skin vibration and soft knee brace), on locomotion tasks (i.e. walking, jogging, stair ascending and descending), muscle function, and pain/function.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-80
• Ambulatory
• Symptomatic knee pain ≥ 3/10 on most of the past 30 days
• Prior ACL injury/surgery, meniscus injury/surgery, and/or physician-diagnosed medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (KL grade 1-3)
• Agreement and ability to use provided interventions during the study period (suggested cumulative wear time during walking of 1-2 hr/day)
• Committed to not starting any new therapies for knee condition during the trial, other than rescue pain medication.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of walking aid (e.g. cane, crutch, walker, or wheelchair)
• BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2
• Injection in the affected knee during the previous three months
• Known neuropathy due to diabetes or other causes
• Inability to provide informed consent