Poor thigh muscle strength may increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis for women

A new study published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research has found that poor strength in the thigh muscles may increase the risk of osteoarthritis in the knee for women but not for men. 

A connection between body mass index (BMI) and knee osteoarthritis is known and widely accepted.  This new study reports that there may be more contractile tissue resulting in more strength in men who have a greater BMI than in women with a greater BMI.  The study found there is more non contractile tissue resulting in more fat in women with a greater BMI.

"Our results highlight the importance of maintaining thigh muscle strength to reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis development, particularly in women," said Dr. Adam Culvenor, lead author of the study. 

About the journal:  Arthritis Care & Research is a peer reviewed publication and an official journal of the American College of Rheumatology.