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Dynamic Balance Training Improves Physical Function in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Randomized
Judit Takacs1, Natasha M Krowchuk1, S Jayne Garland2
1Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|March 11, 2017
Summary
A 10-week balance training program improved knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms, including pain and physical function, but did not significantly change objective dynamic balance measures. Further research is needed to understand exercise effects on objective balance outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rehabilitation Science
- Gerontology
Background:
- Medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition causing pain and functional limitations.
- Dynamic balance deficits are often observed in individuals with knee OA, contributing to fall risk and reduced quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a targeted balance training program on dynamic balance and self-reported physical function in individuals with medial tibiofemoral OA.
- To assess changes in knee pain, fear of movement, proprioception, and muscle strength as secondary outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with 40 participants diagnosed with medial compartment knee OA.
- The intervention group (N=20) underwent a 10-week partially supervised exercise program focusing on dynamic balance and strength training, 4 times per week.
- The control group (N=20) received no intervention. Dynamic balance was measured using the Community Balance and Mobility Scale (CB&M), and self-reported physical function using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC).
Main Results:
- Thirty-six participants completed the study. Adherence to the exercise program was high (82.2%).
- The balance training group showed significant improvements in self-reported knee pain, physical function (WOMAC), and fear of movement compared to the nonintervention group.
- No significant changes were observed in dynamic balance as measured by the CB&M, nor in secondary outcomes like knee joint proprioception or muscle strength within or between groups.
Conclusions:
- A 10-week dynamic balance training program effectively improved subjective measures of knee pain, physical function, and fear of movement in individuals with knee OA.
- The training program did not lead to significant improvements in objective dynamic balance measures (CB&M).
- Further investigation is warranted to explore the mechanisms by which exercise interventions may influence objective measures of dynamic balance in knee OA populations.
