The effect of eight weeks of neuromuscular exercises in water on balance and center of pressure displacement in women with grade 2 and 3 knee osteoarthritis

Balance and postural stability issues are significant complications for patients with knee osteoarthritis. This study aimed to assess the effects of an 8-week neuromuscular exercise program in water on balance and center of pressure fluctuations in women with grade 2 and 3 knee osteoarthritis.

In this quasi-experimental study, 24 elderly women with knee osteoarthritis were assigned into two groups: grade 2 (n=12) and grade 3 (n=12). Pre- and post-intervention balance assessments were conducted using a single-leg test with the Biodex device, and center of pressure fluctuations were measured using an RSscan plantar pressure distribution device.

There were no significant differences in dynamic balance (P=0.679), anterior-posterior pressure center (P=0.469), and internal-external pressure center (P=0.863) between the two groups of women with knee osteoarthritis grades 2 and 3. However, intra-group comparisons revealed a significant improvement in the anterior-posterior pressure center for both groups (grade 2 group: P=0.048; grade 3 group: P=0.005) from pre- to post-test.

The results suggest that an 8-week neuromuscular exercise program in water can effectively enhance balance and center of pressure fluctuations in the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions for women with grade 2 and 3 knee osteoarthritis.