This prospective single-blind randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effects of mobilized balance platform exercises on balance parameters, pain, functional status, fear of falling, and kinesiophobia in patients with knee osteoarthritis. A total of 36 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis will be recruited from the outpatient clinic of Gaziler Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital.
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The control group will receive conventional physical therapy including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and a home exercise program consisting of knee strengthening, balance, range of motion, proprioceptive, and stretching exercises. The intervention group will receive the same conventional treatment in addition to mobilized balance platform exercises using the Huber 360 system.
Pain severity, functional status, balance parameters, fear of falling, and kinesiophobia will be evaluated before and after treatment by an assessor blinded to treatment allocation.
Patients aged between 45 and 65 years
Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis classified as Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 or 3
Willingness to participate voluntarily in the study
Presence of orthopedic knee implants
Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1 or grade 4 knee osteoarthritis
Sensory impairment
Diagnosis of malignancy
Parallel
Huber 360 Balance Training
DeviceParticipants will perform mobilized balance platform exercises using the Huber 360 system. The exercise protocol will include quadriceps and core strengthening, proprioceptive training, balance exercises, and neuromuscular exercises specifically designed for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Sessions will be performed 3 times per week for 20 minutes.
Conventional Physical Therapy
Other interventionParticipants will receive conventional physical therapy including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and a home exercise program consisting of knee strengthening, balance, range of motion, proprioceptive, and stretching exercises performed 3 times per week for 20 minutes.
Static and Dynamic Balance Parameters
Balance performance will be assessed using the Huber 360 balance assessment system. Measurements will include static balance with eyes open and eyes closed, single-leg balance performance, and limits of stability.
Pain Severity Assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Pain intensity will be assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for night pain, resting pain, and pain during movement. Higher scores indicate greater pain severity.
Functional Status Assessed by WOMAC
Functional status will be evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Higher scores indicate worse pain, stiffness, and functional limitation.
Functional Mobility Assessed by Timed Up and Go Test
Functional mobility and dynamic balance will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test. Shorter completion times indicate better functional mobility.
Fear of Falling Assessed by the International Falls Efficacy Scale
Fear of falling during activities of daily living will be evaluated using the International Falls Efficacy Scale. Higher scores indicate greater concern about falling.
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
