Investigation of knee joint position sensation balance reaction time and function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis and unilateral total knee arthroplasty

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the joint position sense of individuals diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (OA), unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for knee OA and healthy individuals and to examine the effect of joint position sense (JPS) on balance, physical performance, reaction time, kinesiophobia, pain stiffness and function.MethodSixty participants (n = 20 per group) were assessed using the RateFastGonio^® app for JPS at 15°, 45°, and 60°, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for balance, the Nelson Foot Reaction Test for reaction time, time up and go (TUG) and Stair Climb Up and Down Test (SCUDT) for physical performance, the Tampa Scale for kinesiophobia, and the The Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) for pain, stiffness, and physical capacity.ResultsThe results revealed no statistically significant differences in JPS and reaction time across the three groups (p > 0.05). However, balance scores were significantly higher in healthy individuals compared to the OA and TKA groups (p < 0.05). Physical performance scores (TUG and SCUDT) were significantly better in the healthy group, with OA patients performing better than the TKA group (p < 0.05). Kinesiophobia, pain, stiffness, and functional impairment were all significantly lower in healthy participants (p < 0.05). While JPS values were not significantly correlated with most variables, a moderate, positive correlation was observed between JPS at 60° and reaction time in the OA group, and between JPS at 15° and TUG results in the healthy and OA groups.ConclusionIn conclusion, both TKA and OA negatively impact balance and physical performance and contribute to movement related fear. Although TKA affects JPS, it does not appear to enhance it. These findings highlight the need for preventive and rehabilitative interventions, including proprioceptive training, particularly given the growing elderly population.Clinical Trial registrationThe study was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT05965765; Date: 07/20/2023).