Spatial-temporal gait characteristics in individuals with hip osteoarthritis: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Systematic literature review and meta-analysis.


OBJECTIVE
To systematically review and critically evaluate the literature to determine how basic gait characteristics are altered in individuals with hip osteoarthritis (OA).


BACKGROUND
Hip OA is a progressive musculoskeletal condition that leads to pain, stiffness, and functional limitation in activities such as walking. Understanding gait dysfunction in people with hip OA may contribute to more effective management of the disease.


METHODS
Eleven electronic research databases were searched. Studies comparing basic gait parameters in individuals with hip OA to healthy controls and the affected to the contralateral limb of individuals with hip OA were included. The studies were critically appraised for methodological quality. Available data were extracted, and meta-analysis was performed, with standardized effect sizes (Cohen d) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals computed for gait speed, cadence, step and stride length, stance, swing and double-stance duration, and step width.


RESULTS
The final analysis included 30 articles. Self-selected gait speed was 26% slower in individuals with hip OA relative to controls, which was explained by shorter stride length. Consistent evidence was found for greater asymmetry in individuals with hip OA than controls, with shorter step length and stance duration in the affected compared to the contralateral limb.


CONCLUSIONS
Individuals with hip OA walk at a slower speed and exhibit greater gait asymmetry than controls. Gait speed and asymmetry can be readily assessed clinically and represent a simple way of objectively evaluating gait dysfunction and monitoring treatment progress in individuals with hip OA.
Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Griffith Health Institute and School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
Maria
M
Constantinou
Rod
R
Barrett
Mark
M
Brown
Peter
P
Mills
D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology; D015207:Osteoarthritis, Hip / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology