Knee Brace and Biomechanical Footwear in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis.

Visual Analog Scale for Pain (score of 100 mm). No pain (score of 0), worst imaginable pain (score of 100).

Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)-questionnaire evaluates the condition of patients with knee osteoarthritis including pain, stiffness and physical function. In the subscale of pain (score range 0 - 500), stiffness (score range 0 - 200), and functional limitation (score range 0 - 1700) lower values represent a better outcome. In order to normalize each score on 0 - 100 scales, the following correction factors are used: pain 0.20, stiffness 0.50, functional limitation 0.059.

The SF-36-Item Health Survey measures Health-Related Quality of Life. The SF-36 is a multi-item scale assessing eight health concepts: 1) limitations in physical activities, 2) limitations in social activities, 3) limitations in usual role activities, 4) bodily pain, 5) general mental health, 6) limitations in usual role activities, 7) vitality, and 8) general health perceptions, with scores for each dimensions ranging from 0 (poor health) to 100 (good health).

Will be measured with dynamometer

Walking speed (cm/sec) will be measured by the instrumented walkway system (GAITRite mat).

Cadence (steps per minute) will be measured by the instrumented walkway system (GAITRite mat).

Stride length, i.e., the distance between 2 successive placement of the same foot (cm) will be measured by the instrumented walkway system (GAITRite mat).

Step length, i.e., the distance measured from the heel point of one foot to the heel point of the other foot (cm) will be measured by the instrumented walkway system (GAITRite mat).

Stance time (sec) and % stance will be measured by the instrumented walkway system (GAITRite mat).

Swing time (sec) and % swing will be measured by the instrumented walkway system (GAITRite mat).

A fast-paced walking test that is timed over 4 x 10m for a total 40 m

The time (sec) it takes to ascend and descend a flight of stairs. The total time to ascend and descend steps (negative number indicates better performance) will be recorded and reported

The maximum number of chair stand repetitions possible in a 30 second period. The total number of chair stands (up and down equals one stand) completed in 30 seconds will be reported.

Will be measured with goniometer

The short form of International Physical Activity (IPAQ-SF) questionnaire measures data on Health-Related Physical Activity. The IPAQ-SF Records the activity of four intensity levels (vigorous-intensity, moderate-intensity, walking, sitting) for the last 7 days. Results are reported as a continuous variable (MET minutes a week). To calculate MET minutes a week the MET value given (walking = 3.3, moderate activity = 4, vigorous activity = 8) is multiplied by the minutes the activity was carried out and again by the number of days that the activity was undertaken. To get total MET minutes of physical activity a week, the MET minutes achieved in each category are added together. Higher MET-values represent better outcome.

Will be measured with the items of the SF-6D questionnaire, which in turn can be converted from the items of the SF-36 questionnaire. The SF-6D score varies from 0 to 1, 0 representing worst health cost-utility and 1 best health utility.