Effects of Restricted Shoulder Girdle Motion on Knee Joint Kinematics and Kinetics during Walking: Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of restricted shoulder girdle motion on knee joint kinematics and kinetics during walking, as a preliminary step toward clarifying the role of trunk function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Twenty healthy male participants walked along a 7.0-m straight pathway under three conditions—neutral, flexed, and extended shoulder girdle positions—while wearing a clavicle band to restrict shoulder girdle motion. Kinematic and kinetic data for the knee joint and trunk were collected using a three-dimensional motion analysis system and a force plate. Results: In both the flexed and extended shoulder girdle positions, the ranges of motion of shoulder flexion–extension and pelvic rotation decreased. In the flexed shoulder girdle position, increased knee flexion angle was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the first peak of the external knee adduction moment (KAM), although the effect sizes were small. Conclusions: These findings suggest that experimentally manipulated restricted shoulder girdle motion is associated with significant changes in KAM. They may also provide preliminary evidence of a relationship between upper-body and lower-limb kinematics and kinetics. However, given the small effect sizes observed, these findings should be interpreted with caution.