Lateral trunk lean gait modification increases the energy cost of treadmill walking in those with knee osteoarthritis

12 patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis participated in two treadmill interventions: one session of normal treadmill walking and one session of increased lateral trunk lean walking, in randomized order, to determine the effect of lateral trunk lean gait modification on energy expenditure. Results found that lateral trunk lean walking significantly increased steady-state oxygen consumption, metabolic equivalents, heart rate, and perceived exertion, but did not influence knee pain compared to normal walking.