Stepping strategy used to recover balance during an induced fall is associated with impaired function and strength in people with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Aim: We investigated differences in function, strength and pain in those with knee osteoarthritis (OA) who responded with a single step compared to multiple steps during balance recovery during an induced forward fall. Method: The stepping response of 24 participants with knee OA (50% female, age 68.6 ± 6.2 years) as they recovered balance from an induced forward fall was recorded. Participants were grouped based on their stepping response as single-stepper and multi-stepper. Comparison was made between the groups for functional and strength tests and self-reported pain, function, quality of life, fear of falls and physical activity. Results: Fourteen of the participants (58%) responded with..