title: Evaluation of static and dynamic postural balance in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: British Columbia Children's Hospital, Child Family Research Institute and the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. khoughton@cw.bc.ca
authors.forename: Kristin Michelle
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Houghton
authors.forename: Jaime
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Guzman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D004856:Postural Balance