Decreased Proprioceptive Function Of The Lower Extremities Among Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis

PURPOSE: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most common degenerative diseases causing disability among older adults. The knee and ankle joints are the main supporting joints of the human lower limbs, and the input of proprioceptive information from these joints is crucial for maintaining postural control and joint stability. This study investigated the effects of KOA on the proprioception of the knee and ankle joints among older adults, providing a basis for the clinical rehabilitation of this population. METHODS: Forty-one older adults with KOA (KOA group, females = 25; 70.1 ± 3.7 years, 1.60 ± 0.07 m, 70.2 ± 10.1 kg, and 27.2 ± 3.3 kg/m2) and forty-one older adults without KOA (control group, females = 25; 69.3 ± 3.8 years; 1.63 ± 0.07 m; 68.9 ± 8.7 kg; 25.8 ± 2.7 kg/m2) were recruited from the local community for this study. Proprioception of knee flexion/extension and ankle plantarflexion/dorsiflexion were measured using the proprioceptive testing device, which has shown good test-retest reliability (ICC value: 0.737-0.935). A total of 5 trials were performed in each direction, and the mean value of the trials was used for data analysis. Independent t-tests were employed to analyze the data. RESULTS: No significant differences were detected in age (p = 0.401, d = 0.186), height (p = 0.087, d = 0.382), and body mass (p = 0.535, d = 0.138) between the two groups. Compared to the CON group, the KOA group had a significantly greater body mass index (p = 0.035, d = 0.475). Compared to the CON group, the KOA group had larger proprioception thresholds of knee flexion (KOA group: 2.94 ± 1.99, CON group: 2.06 ± 1.12; p = 0.015, d = 0.547) and ankle plantarflexion (KOA group: 3.83 ± 2.86, CON group: 2.46 ± 1.87; p = 0.012, d = 0.568) and dorsiflexion (KOA group: 4.57 ± 3.50, CON group: 2.67 ± 2.62; p = 0.007, d = 0.613). No significant differences were detected in the proprioception threshold of knee extension (KOA group: 3.46 ± 1.98, CON group: 2.65 ± 2.54; p = 0.112, d = 0.355). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to older adults without KOA, those with KOA have impaired proprioception. It is recommended that older adults with KOA engage in proprioceptive rehabilitation, such as proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques.