Postural control: static and dynamic balance in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis patients

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to assess and identify the effect of a specific balance program on the improvement of postural control for children with rheumatoid arthritis [RA]. Children with balance problems often have difficulty controlling posture in static and dynamic situations. Children with rheumatoid arthritis have reported fear of falling and thus reducing their physical activity level. The present study was conducted on 30 Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis [JRA] children of both sex, their ages ranged between 7 to 12 years [X9.5 +/- 2.5]. They were divided randomly into 2 groups of equal number [A] and [B]. The static and dynamic balance were tested at the start of the study and after 10 weeks. Both groups received the traditional treatment program for JRA 5 times/week. In addition, group [B] underwent a specific intervention program for balance. At the end of the study the results revealed a significant unproven tent in the static and dynamic balance [P<0.05] for group [A] and a highly significant improvement for group [B] in the same parameters measured [P<0.001]. It could be concluded that static and dynamic balance would be involved in physical therapy for JRA patients