Correlation of Fears and Beliefs About Knee Osteoarthritis with Balance in Patients with Osteoarthritis of Knee

Fears and Beliefs about Knee OA and Balance

Abstract

Background:Knee osteoarthritis (OA) damages the proprioceptors within the joint cavity which in turn may lead to impairment of balance, an integral part of mobility. Fears and beliefs about knee osteoarthritis in patients with knee osteoarthritis are found to have an adverse impact on their function. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the correlation between fears and beliefs about knee osteoarthritis and balance in patients with Knee OA. Material and Methods:In an observational analytical study males and females with OA knee were included. Fears and beliefs were assessed using the Knee Osteoarthritis Fears and Beliefs Questionnaire (KOFBeQ), balance was tested using the Functional Reach Test (FRT) and pain was assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).Result: Forty-six patients were evaluated. Mean pain score was 4±1.5, FRT score 8.7±2.4inches, KOFBeq score33 ±13.8. Correlation was found using Spearman coefficient, r=0.178, p=0.23(balance and KOFBeq), r=-0.264, p=0.7 (pain and balance), r=-0.3, p=0.018(pain and KOFBeq) was seen.Conclusion: Fears and beliefs about knee osteoarthritis were present with impaired functional balance. Weak negative correlation was found between pain and balance and pain and fears and beliefs and no correlation were found between balance and fears and beliefs. [Bhatt P Natl J Integr Res Med, 2021; 12(3): 25-29]