Star Excursion Balance Test as an Exercise to Improve Static and Dynamic Balance in Community-Dwelling Persons with Unilateral Osteoarthritis of Knee

Abstract

Knee joint stability is important for postural stability.Abnormal weight distribution is common in individuals with unilateral osteoarthritis of knee (OA knee) as compensatory mechanism for pain and joint malalignments. Various forms of conventional physiotherapy interventions have been used to prevent further degenerative process. Star excursion balance test (SEBT) has been invented to assess dynamic postural stability. This present study was aimed to investigate effects of SEBT as a postural control exercise training tool(SEBTx) in persons with unilateral OA knee. Fourteen participants were randomly assigned to control group (n = 7) and SEBTx group (n = 7). The control group received weekly routine physiotherapy interventions (joint mobilization, ultrasound therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and taping). In addition to the routine interventions, the SEBTxgroup was instructed to perform SEBTxfor 30 min/session, 3 sessions/ week, for 4 weeks. Primary outcome (weight distributionon posturography in 8 directions -anterior, Rt. anterolateral, Rt.lateral, Rt. posterolateral, posterior, Lt. posterolateral, Lt. lateral, Lt. anterolateral)was measured at baseline and4 weeks post-intervention. Secondary outcomes numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and Timed Up and Go test (TUG) were used to assess pain and dynamic balance, respectively. Results showed thatweight distribution inSEBTx group significantly improved in the Lt. posterolateral and posterior directions post-intervention. Moreover, NPRS in SEBTx group significantly reduced from 47.9±7.4 to 33.3±6.0. Lastly, TUG significantly reduced from 13.5±0.9 to 11.5±0.7 s in SEBTx group. In conclusion, the SEBTx should be applied to improve postural balance in individuals with unilateral (OA knee).