PROPRIOCEPTION DECLINE IN THE OSTEOARTHRI TIC KNEE

We measured proprioception of the knee joint by an active and a passiv e method in 40 subjects under 30 years of age and in 80 subjects older than 50 years with no evidence of knee joint disease. Joint position sense was also determined in an additional 59 patients with osteoarthr osis of the knee. Proprioception was found to decline with increasing age. In the osteoarthritic knee the measured values were significantly higher than in both groups without knee-joint involvement. An elastic bandage had a positive effect. There was a positive correlation betwe en proprioception and clinical parameters. Walking ability and range o f motion did not significantly influence the proprioception. Patients receiving physical therapy showed an improved joint position sense.