Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
Department of Physiotherapy, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria; Department of Physiotherapy, College of Health Sciences, Evangel University, Akaeze, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2024 Oct;40:500-506. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.05.009. Epub 2024 May 9.
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a progressive condition that results in decreased mobility, self-imposed restriction of activity, and impaired functions such as loss of self-efficacy, fear of falling, and balance impairments. This study assessed balance confidence and associated factors among patients with KOA.
This cross-sectional study involved 115 patients with KOA. The Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index was used to evaluate pain, stiffness, and physical function while the Activity Specific Balance Confidence scale was used to assess the balance confidence. Pearson's chi-square test, Pearson's correlation and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient determined the association between variables.
Greater number [67(58.3%)] of the participants had low levels of functioning in balance confidence. Significant associations were observed between balance confidence and pattern of KOA (X2 = 7.08, p = 0.029, φc = 0.248), fear of fall (X2 = 38.32, p = 0.001, φc = 0.577) and history of fall (X2 = 11.49, p = 0.003, φc = 0.316). Significant negative correlations were observed between balance confidence and pain (r = -0.498, p = 0.001), stiffness (r = -0.564, p = 0.01) and physical function (r = -0.676, p = 0.001).
The low levels of balance confidence and related factors are a cause for concern and highlight the need to assess and monitor balance confidence in KOA rehabilitation using balance confidence ratings. This could prompt the integration of physical therapy rehabilitation programs that target balance confidence and related factors to improve mobility, quality of life and outcome of rehabilitation.
膝骨关节炎（KOA）是一种进行性疾病，会导致活动能力下降、自我限制活动以及丧失自我效能感、害怕跌倒和平衡障碍等功能受损。本研究评估了 KOA 患者的平衡信心及其相关因素。
这是一项横断面研究，共纳入 115 例 KOA 患者。采用 Western Ontario 和 McMaster 大学骨关节炎指数（WOMAC）评估疼痛、僵硬和身体功能，采用活动特异性平衡信心量表（ABC）评估平衡信心。采用 Pearson 卡方检验、Pearson 相关和 Spearman 秩相关系数分析变量之间的相关性。
有更大比例（67[58.3%]）的参与者平衡信心水平较低。平衡信心与 KOA 模式（X2=7.08，p=0.029，φc=0.248）、跌倒恐惧（X2=38.32，p=0.001，φc=0.577）和跌倒史（X2=11.49，p=0.003，φc=0.316）显著相关。平衡信心与疼痛（r=-0.498，p=0.001）、僵硬（r=-0.564，p=0.01）和身体功能（r=-0.676，p=0.001）呈显著负相关。
平衡信心水平较低和相关因素令人担忧，这突出表明需要使用平衡信心评分评估和监测 KOA 康复中的平衡信心。这可能会促使整合针对平衡信心和相关因素的物理治疗康复计划，以提高移动能力、生活质量和康复效果。
