AN INVESTIGATION ON THE STATIC AND DYNAMIC BALANCE IN PATIENTS WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS BEFORE AND AFTER A SPECIFIC TRAINING PROGRAM

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the dynamic and static balance ability of patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis and document the effect of specific balance training program on these balance variables. Forty subjects with moderate degree of unilateral and bilateral knee osteoarthritis participated in this clinical procedure. They were divided equally between two groups, group I were the patients suffering from unilateral knee osteoarthritis while group II were the patients suffering from bilateral knee osteoarthritis. A matched control group III of twenty normal subjects was selected for comparative data analysis and reference. The patients were tested using a functional scale, isokinetic dynamometer and balance stability system. Three sessions per week for four weeks were given for each patient on the Biodex stability system. The results showed improvements which was reflected on the significant difference in the functional scale, the peak torque, the static and dynamic balance in group I and II compared to group III, which concluded the importance of using a stability balance system in the rehabilitation program of patients suffering from knee joint osteoarthritis.