Judit Takacs1, Mark G Carpenter2, S Jayne Garland1, Michael A Hunt3. 1. Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. 2. School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. 3. Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Electronic address: michael.hunt@ubc.ca.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To identify potential neuromuscular factors associated with dynamic balance in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study; backward stepwise multiple linear regression was used to identify factors associated with dynamic balance in 2 statistical models. SETTING: University clinical research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals aged ≥50 years (N=52) 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). Potentially modifiable neuromuscular factors associated with dynamic balance were measured, including the sum of concentric and eccentric lower-extremity muscle strength, 2 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 2 variables explained 50% of the variance in CB&M scores. The second model adjusted for descriptive variables, including age, body mass index, and knee pain, contained only the neuromuscular variables eccentric lower-extremity muscle strength, and explained 68% of the variance in CB&M scores. CONCLUSIONS: 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.
OBJECTIVE: To identify potential neuromuscular factors associated with dynamic balance in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study; backward stepwise multiple linear regression was used to identify factors associated with dynamic balance in 2 statistical models. SETTING: University clinical research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals aged ≥50 years (N=52) 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). Potentially modifiable neuromuscular factors associated with dynamic balance were measured, including the sum of concentric and eccentric lower-extremity muscle strength, 2 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 2 variables explained 50% of the variance in CB&M scores. The second model adjusted for descriptive variables, including age, body mass index, and knee pain, contained only the neuromuscular variables eccentric lower-extremity muscle strength, and explained 68% of the variance in CB&M scores. CONCLUSIONS: 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.