Neural network analysis of gait biomechanical data for classification of knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, which causes the degradation of articular cartilage and subchondral bone. The disease may result in mechanical abnormalities of the joints, including weight bearing joints such as the knees and hips. In this work, we analyze gait biomechanical data using neural network models to predict the level of joint deterioration and the level of pain in participants suffering from knee osteoarthritis. The results of the analyses demonstrate strong correlation between gait kinetics and joint deterioration and level of pain in osteoarthritic individuals. © 2011 IEEE