Gait Differences in the Non-affected Limb Among People With Mild-To-Moderate Unilateral Hip Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Study With 12 Months Follow-up

OBJECTIVE: To identify progressive biomechanical changes in temporospatial, kinematic, and kinetic parameters of the non-affected limb during gait in individuals with mild-to-moderate unilateral hip osteoarthritis over 12 months. DESIGN: Prospective case-control study. METHODS: Twelve participants with mild-to-moderate unilateral hip osteoarthritis and 12 healthy controls underwent gait analysis twice, 12 months apart. Both time and group effects on the biomechanical variables in the non-affected limb of hip osteoarthritis were compared. RESULTS: At 12-month follow-up, the non-affected limb of the hip osteoarthritis group exhibited increased double-limb support time ( P = .048, Cohen’s d = 0.64) and reduced knee flexion during swing ( P = .034, Cohen’s d = −0.70). Compared to controls, the hip osteoarthritis group exhibited reduced gait speed at 12-month follow-up ( P = .009, Cohen’s d = −1.19), knee adduction moment at baseline ( P = .013, Cohen’s d = −1.10) and 12-month follow-up ( P = .005, Cohen’s d = −1.27), and an increase in double-limb support time at 12-month follow-up ( P = .013, Cohen’s d = 1.11). CONCLUSION: Biomechanical deviations during walking, such as temporospatial and kinematic parameters of the non-affected limb, may indicate compensatory strategies in individuals with unilateral hip osteoarthritis. JOSPT Open 2024;2(4):322-331. Epub 4 September 2024. doi:10.2519/josptopen.2024.0357