Investigation of the relationship between balance parameters and functional performance and joint position sense in patients with knee osteoarthritis

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of balance parameters on functional performance and joint position sense in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. The study was performed between June 2017 and March 2018 in Hacettepe University Medical Faculty Hospital Orthopedics and Traumatology Department and applied to volunteers who were diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis and control ones. Individuals' physical characteristics and socio-demographic information were recorded. A digital goniometer was used to evaluate normal range of motion, a Sporkat 2000 Stabilizer was used to evaluate static balance and a Berg Balance Test was used for dynamic balance. The Oxford Knee Scale (OKS) was used to assess pain and functional status from the patient's perspective, the Timed Up Go Test (TUG) and the Stair Climb-Up Test (SCUT) were used to assess physical performance. The joint position sense (JPS) was evaluated at 15, 30, 45 and 60 degrees by reproduction test measured by a digital goniometer. As a result of our study, it was seen that all evaluation parameters were affected according to healthy age groups in knee OA patients (p < .001). There was a positive medium level correlation between the static balance during eyes open and OKS, physical performance tests (p < .001) and negative significant correlation between Berg balance score and OKS, physical performance scores (p < .001). While there was a low medium level correlation between the static balance during eyes open and JPS 30 degree, JPS 45 degree (p < .05), Berg balance score and JPS 30 degree, JPS 45 degree were inversely correlated with low medium level (p < .05). This has led to the conclusion that balance parameters in knee osteoarthritic individuals is correlated with on functional performance and JPS. Keywords: Knee, Osteoarthritis, Balance, Physical Performance, Joint Position Sense