ABSTRACT
Background:Knee osteoarthritis (OA) damages the proprioceptors within the joint cavity which in turn may lead to impairment of balance, an integral part of mobility.Fears and beliefs about knee osteoarthritis in patients with knee osteoarthritis are found to have an adverse impact on their function. Objectives:The study aimed to evaluate the correlation between fearsand beliefs about knee osteoarthritis and balance in patientswith Knee OA. Material andMethods:In an observational analytical study males and females with OA knee were included. Fears and beliefs wereassesse d usingthe Knee Osteoarthritis Fears and Beliefs Questionnaire (KOFBeQ), balancewas tested using the Functional Reach Test (FRT) and pain was assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).Result:Forty-six patients were evaluated. Mean pain scorewas 4±1.5, FRT score 8.7±2.4inches, KOFBeq score33 ±13.8. Correlation was found using Spearman coefficient, r=0.178, p=0.23(balance and KOFBeq), r=-0.264, p=0.7 (pain and balance), r=-0.3, p=0.018(pain and KOFBeq) was seen.Conclusion:Fears and beliefs about knee osteoarthritis were present with impaired functional balance. Weaknegative correlationwas found between pain and balance and pain and fears and beliefs and no correlation were found between balance and fearsand beliefs.