Article

OBJECTIVE: To compare the relationship between postural control and knee and hip
osteoarthritis in older adults with and without a history of falls. METHODS: Fallers were those with >/= 2 falls or 1 injurious fall over 12 months.
Non-fallers were volunteers with no falls in the past year. Radiological evidence
of osteoarthritis with no reported symptoms was considered "asymptomatic
osteoarthritis", while "symptomatic osteoarthritis" was defined as radiographic
osteoarthritis with pain or stiffness. Dynamic postural control was quantified
with the limits of stability test measured on a balance platform (Neurocom(R)
Balancemaster, California, USA). Parameters assessed were end-point excursion,
maximal excursion, and directional control.
RESULTS: A total of 102 older
individuals, mean age 73 years (standard deviation 5.7) years were included. The
association between falls and poor performance in maximal excursion and
directional control was confounded by age and comorbidities. In the same linear
equation model with falls, symptomatic osteoarthritis remained independently
associated with poor end-point excursion (beta-coefficient (95% confidence
interval) -6.80 (-12.14 to -1.42)). CONCLUSION: Poor performance in dynamic
postural control (maximal excursion and directional control) among fallers was
not accounted for by hip/knee osteoarthritis, but was confounded by old age and
comorbidities. Loss of postural control due to hip/knee osteoarthritis is not a
risk factor for falls among community-dwelling older adults.

Langue : ANGLAIS