Effectiveness of proprioceptive integration on sensory-specific balance training in osteoarthritis: a randomized control trial

Abstract Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative condition and one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, primarily affecting the knee joint. It is characterized by progressive joint deterioration, leading to pain, stiffness, and functional impairment. Proprioceptive training has emerged as a therapeutic approach to enhance joint position sense and address balance deficits in OA patients. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of sensory-specific balance training with proprioceptive integration compared to conventional occupational therapy in improving balance, proprioception, and functional outcomes in individuals with knee OA. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at a College of Occupational Therapy, enrolling 30 participants diagnosed with knee OA. The participants were randomly assigned to either a control group receiving standard occupational therapy sessions or an experimental group undergoing proprioceptive integration with sensory-specific balance exercises. Outcome measures included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the adult sensory profile, which were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: The experimental group significantly improved WOMAC scores, particularly in pain, stiffness, and physical function domains. Additionally, BBS and proprioception outcomes showed greater enhancement in the experimental group compared to the control group, which exhibited minimal changes with conventional therapy. Conclusion: Proprioceptive integration, particularly sensory-specific balance training, is an effective intervention for enhancing balance, proprioception, and functional outcomes in knee OA patients. It is a valuable complement to traditional therapies and can potentially improve affected individuals’ quality of life and overall physical functioning.