Comparsion of the Effect on Balance Training with Foam Balance Activity and Tilt Board Exercise to Improve Fall Risk among Physically Active Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis Patients in Selected Places of Bengaluru

Abstract

Background and purpose: Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal complaints worldwide.Individuals with knee OA display impairments in knee joint proprioception. Reduced balance function isassociated with an increased risk of falling. The aim of this study was to measure the balance between foam and tiltboard training among physically active chronic osteoarthritis patients and to compare the effectiveness of balancetraining using proprioceptive tools like foam and tilt table among physically active chronic osteoarthritis patients.Methods: This study included subjects between the ages of 40-70 years with chronic knee osteoarthritis and a bodymass index of 30 and above. Subjects were recruited based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. It was a comparativestudy with 40 subjects divided into two groups of 20 each. Demographic data and other variables were collectedand recorded and measures like VAS, WOMAC, Functional reach test and Berg balance scale were used.Results: The foam balance activity group as well as the wobble board exercise group showed effective improvementsclinically after the intervention. Comparison between groups did not show statistically significant improvement isany one over the other but clinically significant improvements were seen more in the wobble board exercise group.Conclusion: The study concludes that the wobble board exercise group subjects showed clinically betterimprovements in balance and functional abilities when compared to the foam balance activity group subjects.Comparison between both groups did not show statistically significant improvement.