Balance control and knee osteoarthritis severity

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease affecting millions worldwide.
• Balance control is crucial for daily activities and fall prevention, especially in older adults.
• Assessing balance deficits in knee OA patients is essential for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of knee osteoarthritis severity on balance control.
• To compare balance capabilities between mild and moderate-to-severe knee OA patients using clinical and instrumental tests.

Main Methods:

• Eighty knee OA patients (39 mild, 41 moderate-to-severe) and 40 controls underwent assessment.
• Evaluations included the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Tetra-ataxiometric posturography (Tetrax®).
• Tetrax® measured stability index (ST), Fourier index, weight distribution index (WDI), and synchronization index (SI) across eight positions.

Main Results:

• Moderate to severe knee OA patients showed significantly higher stability indices and Fourier indices compared to mild OA patients.
• No significant differences were found in weight distribution index or synchronization between the groups.
• Clinical tests like TUG and BBS likely also reflected these balance impairments.

Conclusions:

• Patients with moderate to severe knee OA exhibit greater balance control deficits.
• Balance assessment and fall prevention education are recommended for individuals with knee OA.
• These interventions can help mitigate fall risks and improve functional independence.