The relationship between single leg balance and proprioception of the knee joint in individuals with non-specific chronic back pain

Abstract

Background: Proprioceptive information from the hips, knees, and ankles as well as joint coordination are important for maintaining and controlling balance. Regional receptors in the muscles, joints, skin, and tendons as well as proprioception in the knee joint provide the necessary joint activity and stability. Pain may occur with a decreased sense of balance and proprioception. Objective: To investigate the relationship between single-leg balance and proprioception of the knee joint in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain. Design: Fifty-two individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain, 30 females and 22 males, were included in our study, with a range of 18-50 years (mean age:25.15 +/- 8.2years). Method: Pain intensity at rest and activity was assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and disability and function were assessed using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Single-leg balance measurements were performed using Prokin TecnoBody kinematic balance device. A goniometer was used to evaluate the proprioception of the knee joint. Results: There were low-level negative correlations between VAS resting pain intensity and medium-lateral standard deviation value (p=0.018; r=-0.327) and ellipse area measure (p=0.039; r=-0.287) from static balance assessments. There were low-level negative correlations between VAS activity pain intensity and medium-lateral standard deviation value (p=0.039; r=-0.288), ellipse area (p=0.044; r=-0.281), and perimeter measure(p=0.043; r=-0.282) from static balance assessments. No correlation was seen between ODI and clinical balance and proprioception assessments(p>0.05). There was no correlation between clinical balance and proprioception evaluations(p>0.05). Conclusion: As a result of the study, it was decided that there is a minimal relationship between single-leg balance and knee joint proprioception in people with nonspecific low back pain.