• Research Paper on:
    Quadriceps Strength & Osteoarthritis

    Number of Pages: 5

     

    Summary of the research paper:

    A 5 page research paper that summarizes the principle points from a study conducted by Sharma, et al (2003). The writer summarizes the problem, as summarized in the title, the principal objectives of the study, its methodology, results, limitations and implications. No additional sources cited.

    Name of Research Paper File: D0_khquadst.rtf

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    Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
    this condition There is no other medical condition that is associated with more chronic disability in the elderly than knee osteoarthritis (Sharma, et al, 2003). Research, such as cross-sectional studies,  shows that leg strength, that is, quadriceps strengthening, can have a tremendous beneficial effect on osteoarthritis in the knees. Research shows that strengthening these legs muscles both reduces pain and  improves leg function (Sharma, et al, 2003). While the precise impact of quadriceps strengthening over the evolution of osteoarthritis remains poorly understood, studies have also demonstrated, in regards to individuals  with health knee joints, that having strong quadriceps offers a degree of protection to the individual against new osteoarthritis development (Sharma, et al, 2003). However, thus far, research has failed  to find an association between quadriceps strength and the progression of osteoarthritis in knees which are already arthritic (Sharma, et al, 2003). Investigation into this relationship is significant due to  the fact that quadriceps strengthening exercises are often prescribed for individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Why the researchers chose to do this study The effect of muscle strengthening exercise on  arthritic knees is far less predictable than its effect on healthy knees. Generally, strengthening "promotes cartilage health and stabilizes the joint" (Sharma, et al, 2003, p. 613). Muscles  tend to compensate and shield knee tissues from the wear and tear that comes from starting and stopping motion, as well as from the effects of gravity. It is generally  assumed that exercise enhances these positive protective effects, which is why strengthening exercise are recommended for osteoarthritic patients. However, if this assumption is not true, the interaction of muscles  against the diseased joint may impair, rather than improve, the regulation of motion and therefore reduce the "ligament-protection" features of musical action (Sharma, et al, 2003, p. 613). Whether 

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