Gait deviations in individuals with inflammatory joint diseases and osteoarthritis and the usage of three-dimensional gait analysis

This chapter describes three-dimensional gait analysis and common gait deviations in adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). Furthermore, we describe changes in gait deviations following surgical and non-surgical interventions. Gait analysis is used to define gait deviations and to evaluate varying surgical approaches, types of surgeries and non-pharmacologic interventions. Most studies examine gait in adults with knee OA. Limitations of existing studies include small samples, poor selection of controls, sample heterogenecity, lack of baseline gait assessments and inconsistency in measurement. Across studies, time and distance parameters are generally used to provide a global measure of gait deviations. Individuals with RA and OA in the lower extremities exhibit reduced walking speed/cadence and decreased motion and moments in relation to healthy subjects. Future research should include larger sample sizes, the use of proper controls, pre- and post-assessments and identify gait abnormalities early in the disease process to minimise long-term consequences.