Citation

Takacs J, Carpenter MG, Garland SJ, Hunt MA. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2015; 96(10): 1873-1879.

Affiliation

Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia: Vancouver, BC, Canada. Electronic address: michael.hunt@ubc.ca.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apmr.2015.06.014

PMID

26184888

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify potential neuromuscular factors associated with dynamic balance in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Those with knee OA display deficits in dynamic balance compared to healthy controls and are reported to have a high prevalence of falls (nearly 50% of those sampled in some reports). However, general balance training interventions have had limited success. There is a need to better understand the factors that may contribute to poor dynamic balance, in order to develop successful interventions.

DESIGN: A cross-sectional observational study. Backwards stepwise multiple linear regression was used to identify factors associated with dynamic balance in two statistical models. SETTING: University clinical research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-two individuals aged 50 and older with osteoarthritic changes on radiograph participated. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Dynamic balance was assessed using the Community Balance and Mobility Scale (CB&M), and potentially modifiable neuromuscular factors associated with dynamic balance were measured, including: sum of concentric and eccentric lower extremity muscle strength, two quadriceps-hamstrings muscle strength ratios, knee joint proprioception (joint position sense), anticipatory postural control velocity, and knee joint range of motion.

RESULTS: The first model for explaining variance in CB&M scores consisted of eccentric lower extremity muscle strength and knee joint range of motion as factors. The model containing these two variables explained 50% of the variance in CB&M scores. The second model adjusted for descriptive variables including age, BMI and knee pain, and contained only the neuromuscular variable eccentric lower extremity muscle strength.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that muscle strength and, to a lesser extent, knee joint range of motion are important factors associated with dynamic balance as measured by the CB&M and should be considered in dynamic balance interventions.

Language: en