Investigation of the relationship between anthropometric measurements, Q angle, balance and fall risk in female patients diagnosed with gonarthrosis

Osteoarthritis, a chronic disease characterized by progressive cartilage degeneration, subchondral sclerosis, osteophyte formation, and changes in the articular capsule, is one of the most common joint disorders seen in women over the age of 40, especially affecting load-bearing joints such as the hip and knee. With the increasing elderly population today, the prevalence of osteoarthritis is rising, with the knee joint being the most commonly affected site. The aim of this prospective study on knee osteoarthritis is to examine the relationship between anthropometric measurements and Q angle with balance and fall risk in non-obese patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. Female patients aged 40-65, who were non-obese and diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis according to ACR criteria and classified as stage 2 or 3 based on the KL radiological classification, were included in the study. These patients, presenting to the outpatient clinics at the Kırşehir Training and Research Hospital's Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Clinic with complaints of knee pain, voluntarily participated in the study. A total of 86 female patients who met the inclusion criteria and participated in all assessment parameters were enrolled. In the study, grip strength of the dominant hand was measured using an electronic hand dynamometer, and bilateral Q angle was measured using a plastic goniometer. Bilateral lower extremity length, thigh, leg, and foot length were measured using a non-elastic medical tape measure. Waist and hip circumference, bilateral thigh, leg, and ankle circumference were also measured using a non-elastic medical tape measure. Bilateral triceps, thigh, and leg skinfold thickness were measured using a special caliper called a Holtain skinfold. Bi-iliac, femoral bicondylar, and foot widths were measured using the Harpenden Anthropometric Set. Static and dynamic balance, as well as fall risk, were measured using the Biodex Balance System device. Statistical analysis of the study results was conducted using the SPSS 29.0 package program, and relationships between variables were examined using Spearman correlation analysis based on the normality assumption test. The study results showed that increases in anthropometric factors related to the lower extremities, such as foot length, waist and hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, leg and ankle circumference, bi-iliac, femoral bicondylar, and foot width, were associated with better static balance and a reduced risk of falls. We believe that these anthropometric characteristics should be considered in the assessment of balance and fall risk in non-obese female patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis in clinical settings.