Knee Health Is a Major Determinant of Mobility Across the Healthspan

Knee health constitutes a pivotal determinant of locomotor function and overall mobility throughout the healthspan(definition). Impairments in knee function lead to a series of biomechanical and physiological alterations that pose substantial public health challenges and economic burdens worldwide. This review synthesizes evidence that delineates the complex and multifaceted relationship between knee health and mobility, emphasizing the interplay across various domains in adult populations. Knee health is conceptualized as a dynamic, interconnected system whereby structural integrity, neuromuscular mechanisms, biomechanical adaptations, and functional mobility are intricately interrelated through cascades of mechanistic processes operating across different temporal stages. A comprehensive understanding of these interrelationships is necessary for developing precise and targeted interventions that aim to preserve mobility and functional independence throughout the healthspan.