Risk of Fall in Knee Osteoarthritis: Correlating a Machine to a Scale

Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) stands as the most prevalent chronic joint ailment, with more than 50% of people reporting a fall during the previous year. Neuromuscular changes associated with OA alter dynamic postural control, compromising the ability to evade falling. Few studies show how the severity of knee OA relates to the risk of fall (RoF) and impaired balance. Materials and Methods: In this observational cross-sectional study, the participants had primary OA knee, fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria and were classified into early (Kellgren–Lawrence Grade 1 and Grade 2; n = 55) and advanced (Grade 3 and Grade 4; n = 35) OA groups. Outcome measures were static balance, dynamic balance and RoF assessed using the Biodex Balance System and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Correlation was studied between these indices. Results: Dynamic balance, RoF and TUG scores showed statistically significant differences worse for the late OA group. On correlating with the TUG test, the dynamic balance measures correlated positively for early OA, whereas RoF measures correlated positively for late OA. Conclusion: Balance impairment and RoF were higher in those with advanced knee OA. Mobility showed deterioration in the same group. The device outputs correlated positively with the clinical scale, indicating that TUG has predictive value in detecting falls.