Purpose: To evaluate balance in children with lower limb involvement due to juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
Methods: Twenty-five children with JIA manifesting lower extremity arthritis within the previous year and 36 children who were healthy (aged 8-18 years) were assessed by using the Biodex Balance System (BBS) (Biodex, Shirley, New York). Single-leg static balance (BBS level 12) and bilateral static and dynamic balance (BBS levels 2 and 7) were measured. Lower extremity strength, disease activity, function, and pain were also assessed.
Results: : Ten subjects with JIA (40%) could not complete single-leg balance testing, while all controls did (P < .0001). Bilateral dynamic balance was impaired only at BBS level 2 (most unstable). Lower extremity weakness correlated with poor balance.
Conclusion: A significant proportion of children with leg arthritis have impaired balance. Proprioceptive exercises may emerge as an important therapy in the treatment of lower extremity arthritis.