Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability
Published on: September 18, 2020
Evaluation of static and dynamic postural balance in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Kristin Michelle Houghton1, Jaime Guzman
1British Columbia Children's Hospital, Child Family Research Institute and the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. khoughton@cw.bc.ca
Purpose:
To evaluate balance in children with lower limb involvement due to juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
Methods:
Twenty-five children with JIA manifesting lower extremity arthritis within the previous year and 36 children who were healthy (aged 8-18 years) were assessed by using the Biodex Balance System (BBS) (Biodex, Shirley, New York). Single-leg static balance (BBS level 12) and bilateral static and dynamic balance (BBS levels 2 and 7) were measured. Lower extremity strength, disease activity, function, and pain were also assessed.
Results:
: Ten subjects with JIA (40%) could not complete single-leg balance testing, while all controls did (P < .0001). Bilateral dynamic balance was impaired only at BBS level 2 (most unstable). Lower extremity weakness correlated with poor balance.
Conclusion:
A significant proportion of children with leg arthritis have impaired balance. Proprioceptive exercises may emerge as an important therapy in the treatment of lower extremity arthritis.