Effects of Mobilized Balance Platform Exercises on Balance Parameters in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

Effects of Mobilized Balance Platform Exercises on Balance Parameters, Functional Status, and Pain in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This prospective single-blind randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effects of mobilized balance platform exercises on balance parameters, pain, functional status, fear of falling, and kinesiophobia in patients with knee osteoarthritis. A total of 36 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis will be recruited from the outpatient clinic of Gaziler Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The control group will receive conventional physical therapy including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and a home exercise program consisting of knee strengthening, balance, range of motion, proprioceptive, and stretching exercises. The intervention group will receive the same conventional treatment in addition to mobilized balance platform exercises using the Huber 360 system.

Pain severity, functional status, balance parameters, fear of falling, and kinesiophobia will be evaluated before and after treatment by an assessor blinded to treatment allocation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients aged between 45 and 65 years
• Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis classified as Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 or 3
• Willingness to participate voluntarily in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of orthopedic knee implants
• Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1 or grade 4 knee osteoarthritis
• Sensory impairment
• Diagnosis of malignancy
• Unhealed fractures
• Circulatory disorders
• Infection around the knee joint
• Severe hearing loss or visual impairment
• Cognitive impairment
• Uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes mellitus
• Vestibular disorders causing balance problems, such as vertigo
• Use of walking assistive devices such as canes or walkers