Importance of Strength Training in Elderly Diagnosed With Unilateral Osteoarthritis in Postural Stability And Fall Risk Prevention

Abstract

Marcel El Andere, Pedro Henrique Vieira Partata, Matheus Brito Rocha, Haroldo Bandeira de Matos Filho and Fernanda Grazielle da Silva Azevedo Nora

Unilateral knee osteoarthritis is a common condition in the elderly that can compromise postural control and increase the risk of falls. This study investigated the effects of strength training on postural control in elderly individuals with this condition. Forty participants were assessed, divided into a strength training group (STG) and a sedentary group (SG). The results showed that the STG had a lower Center of Pressure (COP) oscillation amplitude and reduced COP displacement area compared to the SG, both with eyes open and closed. These findings suggest that regular strength training may improve postural control in elderly individuals with unilateral knee osteoarthritis, thus contributing to reducing the risk of falls in this population.

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