Test re-test reliability of centre of pressure measures during standing balance in individuals with knee osteoarthritis

Assessment of changes in standing balance following an intervention requires accurate measurement of balance parameters. The reliability of centre of pressure measures of balance during single-leg standing has not been reported in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to assess the test re-test reliability of force platform centre of pressure measures during single-leg standing in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Twenty-five adults with radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis performed single-leg standing balance trials on a laboratory-grade force platform on two occasions, no more than 14 days apart. Participants were asked to stand on their more symptomatic limb for three, ten second trials. Centre of pressure measures collected included: standard deviation in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions, mean path length, velocity, and area. The mean of the three trials was calculated. Intraclass correlation coefficients, standard error of measurement, Bland and Altman plots and the minimum detectable change were calculated. Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.54 to 0.87, suggesting mixed reliability of measures. Reliability was lowest for the centre of pressure area (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.54), and highest for centre of pressure velocity and path length (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.87 for both). Standard error of measurement values were low for standard deviation in the mediolateral direction and high for centre of pressure area. These results suggest that centre of pressure values, in particular path length and velocity, are appropriate for assessment of standing balance in people with medial knee osteoarthritis.