Kristin Michelle Houghton1, Jaime Guzman. 1. British Columbia Children's Hospital, Child Family Research Institute and the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. khoughton@cw.bc.ca
Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate balance in children with lower limb involvement due to juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). METHODS: Twenty-five children with JIA manifesting lower extremity arthritis within the previous year and 36 children who were healthy (aged 8-18 years) were assessed by using the Biodex Balance System (BBS) (Biodex, Shirley, New York). Single-leg static balance (BBS level 12) and bilateral static and dynamic balance (BBS levels 2 and 7) were measured. Lower extremity strength, disease activity, function, and pain were also assessed. RESULTS: : Ten subjects with JIA (40%) could not complete single-leg balance testing, while all controls did (P < .0001). Bilateral dynamic balance was impaired only at BBS level 2 (most unstable). Lower extremity weakness correlated with poor balance. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of children with leg arthritis have impaired balance. Proprioceptive exercises may emerge as an important therapy in the treatment of lower extremity arthritis.
PURPOSE: To evaluate balance in children with lower limb involvement due to juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). METHODS: Twenty-five children with JIA manifesting lower extremity arthritis within the previous year and 36 children who were healthy (aged 8-18 years) were assessed by using the Biodex Balance System (BBS) (Biodex, Shirley, New York). Single-leg static balance (BBS level 12) and bilateral static and dynamic balance (BBS levels 2 and 7) were measured. Lower extremity strength, disease activity, function, and pain were also assessed. RESULTS: : Ten subjects with JIA (40%) could not complete single-leg balance testing, while all controls did (P < .0001). Bilateral dynamic balance was impaired only at BBS level 2 (most unstable). Lower extremity weakness correlated with poor balance. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of children with leg arthritis have impaired balance. Proprioceptive exercises may emerge as an important therapy in the treatment of lower extremity arthritis.
Authors: Antonino Patti; Maria Cristina Maggio; Giovanni Corsello; Giuseppe Messina; Angelo Iovane; Antonio Palma Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2017-07-19 Impact factor: 3.390