Umbrella Review of Quadriceps Muscle - Knee Osteoarthritis Associations: A Case Where Research Diversity Continues to Obscure Clear Cohesive Clinical Understandings

Background: Knee joint osteoarthritis, a highly disabling chronic disease with no distinctive cause currently persists unabated among many older adults as well as younger adults. Largely attributed to non-modifiable underpinnings of age, injury, weight status, and genetics, various forms of localized modifiable attributes of muscle dysfunction may however be implicated Aim: Building on prior comprehensive reviews, here we strove to uncover any novel 2024-2025 research highlights concerning the key knee extensor functional complex termed the quadriceps femoris muscle given the belief that its decreased strength is a key knee osteoarthritis disabling factor. Methods: The 2024/5 PUBMED data base and others aligned with this topic were searched carefully to uncover and identify any new clinically relevant insights concerning the natural history of knee joint osteoarthritis. Results: Even though more than 100 studies within the desired 2024 topical theme prevails, most fail to uncover or affirm any distinctive pathogenic role for the knee extensor muscles in the knee osteoarthritis disease cycle. Moreover, the diverse study themes, designs, research questions, methods, and conclusions remain key challenges to aggregate and apply clinically to prevent the disease or its severity. Conclusion: Examining knee extensor muscle parameters closely and how their attributes mediate joint viability and function appears promising, but await further study.