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Updated: May 16, 2026
Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability
Published on: September 18, 2020
Association of postural control with muscle strength, proprioception, self-reported knee instability and activity
Diana C Sanchez-Ramirez1, Marike van der Leeden, Dirk L Knol
1Amsterdam Rehabilitation Research Center, Reade, The Netherlands. d.c.sanchezramirez@vu.nl
Objective:
To determine the association of postural control with muscle strength, proprioception, self-reported knee instability and activity limitations in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Methods:
A total of 284 patients with knee osteoarthritis from the Amsterdam Osteoarthritis cohort were included. Postural control was assessed using the One-Leg Stand Test (OLST), in which the patients were asked to stand on one leg for 30 s. Muscle strength (isokinetic dynamometer), proprioception (joint motion detection threshold) and self-reported knee instability (episodes of buckling, shifting or giving way) were also assessed. Activity limitations were assessed using the Get Up and Go (GUG) test, the walking up-down stairs test, and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index - Physical Function subscale. Regression analyses were used to assess the associations.
Results:
Muscle weakness (p = 0.02) and proprioceptive inaccuracy (p < 0.001) were associated with decreased postural control. Decreased postural control was associated with less time performing the GUG test (p < 0.001) and the walking up-down stairs test (p < 0.001). These associations were found after adjustment for relevant confounders.
Conclusion:
In patients with knee osteoarthritis, decreased postural control is associated with muscle weakness, proprioceptive inaccuracy and performance-based activity limitations. These results highlight the importance of including assessment and training of postural control in this group of patients.