The Efficacy of Balance and Proprioception Exercises in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

The Efficacy of Balance and Proprioception Exercises in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: a Randomized Controlled Study

This study aime to investigate the effects of balance and proprioception exercises using two different methods (classical balance training and Balance System™ SD) in addition to strengthening exercises on dynamic balance, pain, functional status and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

It is known that knee OA leads to a decrease in proprioception and balance disturbances. Falls due to balance disorders often occur during dynamic activities such as walking and stair climbing. Therefore, correction of balance disorders is of great importance to prevent falls and associated fractures in the elderly population, in which knee OA is common. In addition, loss of proprioception in the knee joint, muscle weakness, and balance disorders are also known to contribute to the development of knee OA itself. Therefore, treatment of balance disorders may also slow the progression of the disease. This study was planned to compare the effects of isometric strengthening exercises plus balance and proprioception exercises performed by two different methods with isometric strengthening exercises alone. This is a single-center randomized trial with 3 parallel arms.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients were included if they had a knee OA diagnosis according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria, had suffered from knee pain for at least six months, had radiologically verified bilateral knee OA of grade II or III according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification and had not previously participated in a regular exercise program.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who had undergone knee surgery, who had received hyaluronic acid or corticosteroid injections into the knee within six months, and patients with conditions that might affect balance were excluded from the study.