A comparison of balance impairments in early and advanced osteoarthritis of the knee

Abstract

Background: Studies which have compared the extent of balance impairment in various grades of primary osteoarthritis (OA) knee have got contradictory findings. Here, we compare static and dynamic balance indices and measure of mobility between radiological early and advanced OA knee patients. Materials and Methods: In this observational cross-sectional study, the participants were primary OA knee patients, fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria, classified into early (Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 1 and Grade 2; n = 40) and advanced (Grade 3 and Grade 4; n = 40) OA groups. Outcome measures were static balance, dynamic balance, and risk of fall assessed using Biodex Balance System (Overall Stability Index, Antero Posterior Index, and Medio Lateral Index) and mobility assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Results: The Overall Stability, Antero Posterior and Medio Lateral indices, when compared for static balance, dynamic balance and risk of fall, did not show any statistically significant difference between the two groups. However when TUG scores were compared, the difference in the scores was statistically significant. Conclusion: Our study did not show any change in balance impairment or risk of fall with advancing knee OA. However, mobility did show deterioration with the advancement of OA possibly because of more pain, muscle weakness, stiffness, and reluctance to move.