The Effect of Knee Instability on Balance, Physical Performance, Dynamic Walking Index, Gait pattern, and Quality of Life in Women with Knee Osteoarthritis

One of the common problems among patients suffering from Osteoarthritis, is knee instability, which can effect on patients physical functional. The purpose of this study was to investigate of self-report instability on gait parameters, dynamic gait, balance and quality of life in patients suffering from Osteoarthritis. In this cross-sectional study, 68 patients with Osteoarthritis after confirmed by specialized and having inclusion criteria, were participated in the study. 31 patients with self-report instability put on instability group and 37 patients without put on without instability group. Berg test for balance, foot trace for gait pattern, WOMAC for function, SF36 for quality of life, Up and Go test(UGT)- going up and down stairs- 40 meter walking for physical function, were used. to compare means, Independent sample t-test with α=0.05 and confidence interval %95 was used. the results showed that a significant difference in Berg scores between groups (p=0.016). As well it was significant between groups in 3 parameter related to daily physical activities UGT (p=0.016), going up and down stairs (p=0.027 and p=0.05). About WOMAC, Groups had significant difference only in the joint stiffness (p=0.04). But, two groups hadn’t difference in dynamic gait indicator parameters, gait pattern and quality of life (p>0.05). based on the effect of instability on some key factors of daily physical activities and prevention of falling in Osteoarthritis patients, it is recommended that specialists and physiotherapists identifying patients with osteoarthritis with instability before any rehabilitation program and intervention to design right solutions of improvement.