Effect of balance exercise on selected kinematic gait variables in patients with knee joint osteoarthritis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of balance exercise on some selected kinematic gait parameters in patients with knee joint osteoarthritis. Forty subjects (18 men and 22 women) participated in the study.They were divided into two groups: Group 1 (experimental) that was treated with balance exercises, thermal therapy and soft tissue massage; Group 2 (control), treated with thermal therapy and soft tissue massage without balance exercise. Gait analysis was done from footprints on a 900cm walking paper and functional balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale. The result showed a significant difference (P<0.05) in all the gait parameters except step width and foot angle for group 1 and only walking velocity for group 2. The functional balance was significantly different in group 1 and not in group 2 comparing the pre and post treatment variables. It was concluded that balance exercise is effective in improving the functional ambulation of patient with knee osteoarthritis and should be an integral part of the patient rehabilitation.

Keywords: balance exercise, kinematic gait parameters, knee osteoarthritis

Nigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences Vol. 4(2) 2005: 102-106