Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background/Aim: Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly recognized cause for chronic disability in elders. Patients with knee OA show impairment of dynamic balance and high risk of falls. Poor proprioception was also identified in knee osteoarthritic population and was related to increased risk of falling. The findings of studies conducted to correlate between dynamic balance and proprioception in these patients are conflicting. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dynamic balance and proprioception (sense of position and sense of movement) in patients with knee OA. Subjects and methods: Fifty patients with knee Osteoarthritis grade II and III Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) scale, aged from 40 to 65 years old were included in the study. Biodex Balance System (BBS) was used to evaluate dynamic balance and retrieve three outcome measures: Overall stability Index (OSI), Mediolateral Stability Index (MLSI) and Anteroposterior Stability Index (APSI). Proprioception was measured through Biodex system 3 isokinetic dynamometer in which knee joint reposition task and the threshold to detection of passive motion (TTDPM) were used to assess the sense of position and the sense of movement respectively. Results: Pearson correlation coefficient was used. There was nonsignificant correlation between proprioception and dynamic balance (P>0.05). However, there was a weak correlation between the sense of position and sense of movement (P<0.05). Conclusion: There is no relationship between decreased proprioception and impaired dynamic balance in patients with knee OA

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