The Effect of Balance Training in Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic disease that affects joints; especially knee joints. OA causes progressive irreversible joint damage and finally joint failure. Proprioceptive deficits are greater in people with knee OA.

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess and evaluate the effect of balance training as an additional modality in management of mild and moderate knee osteoarthritis and its effect on clinical and functional outcome.

Methods: The study included 60 patients with primary knee osteoarthritis, consecutively selected from outpatient clinic of Physical Medicine, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University Hospitals. They were divided into two groups: Group I: (30) Patients was trained by strength exercises rehabilitation program in addition to training program of the BSS-SD. Three sessions per week for twelve weeks. Group II: (30) Patients were trained by strength exercises rehabilitation program only by three sessions per week for twelve weeks. Patients were assessed by clinical evaluation (visual analogue scale (VAS), Ritchie's tenderness scale, morning stiffness, range of motion) physical performance assessments by chair stand test, functional assessment by WOMAC, assessment of postural stability and balance disturbance (postural stability test- fall risk test- limits of stability test) were performed before, 6 and 12 weeks after rehabilitation programs

Results: Our study showed improvement in both groups of clinical assessment (VAS of pain, tenderness, morning stiffness) also there was significant improvement of (active range of movement and passive range of movement and CST). There was significant improvement of pain assessed by WOMAC. There was significant improvement of (postural stability test, fall risk testing, and limits of stability). There were improvement in-group I more significant than group II.

Conclusion: Combined therapy of strength exercises rehabilitation program and training program of balance by BSS-SD have more potential effects in treatment of mild and moderate knee OA better than strength exercises rehabilitation program only.