Quadriceps Impairment is Associated with Gait Mechanics in Young Adults with Obesity

Purpose Obesity influences gait and muscle function, which may contribute to knee osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to (1) compare gait biomechanics and quadriceps function between individuals with and without obesity, and (2) examine the association between quadriceps function and gait biomechanics. Methods 48 individuals with and 48 without obesity participated and were matched on age and sex. Gait biomechanics at standardized and self-selected speeds were used to assess peak vertical ground reaction force (vGRF), vertical loading rate (vLR), internal knee extension moment (KEM), peak knee flexion angle (KFA), knee flexion excursion (KFE), and knee joint stiffness. Quadriceps function was assessed using peak isometric strength (PT), early (RTD100) and late (RTD200) rate of torque development, and vastus lateralis cross sectional area (CSA) and echo intensity (EI). Results When normalized to fat-free mass, individuals with obesity had lower RTD100 (p=0.04) and RTD200 (p=0.02), but higher vastus lateralis CSA (p

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