Correlation among proprioception, muscle strength, and balance

Abstract

[Purpose] To study the correlation among proprioception, muscle strength, and balance. [Subjects and Methods] A balance testing system (Biodex Balance System, BBS) and an isokinetic testing system (Biodex System 4, BS4) were used to test related indexes in 24 healthy young females. [Results] With the knee joint at 15 degree flexion, proprioception was significantly correlated with Limits of Stability-Time values, and was highly significantly correlated with Limits of Stability-Overall and Athlete Single Leg Medial/Lateral values. The sense of force was significantly correlated with Limits of Stability-Overall and Athlete Single Leg-Overall values. Quadriceps strength was significantly associated with Limits of Stability-Overall, Athlete Single Leg Medial/Lateral, and Athlete Double Leg-Overall values. The ratio of Quadriceps to Hamstring strength was significantly correlated with Athlete Single Leg Medial/Lateral, and Athlete Single Leg-Overall values. With the knee joint at 45°, proprioception was highly significantly correlated with dynamic balance, and was significantly correlated with double foot support under static balance; force sense had a high correlation with Limits of Stability-Overall, but no correlation with other indexes. Quadriceps strength had a significant correlation with dynamic and static balance; the ratio of Quadriceps/Hamstring had a highly significant correlation with Limits of Stability-Overall, Athlete Single Leg-Anterior/Posterior and Athlete Single Leg-Overall. [Conclusion] At different knee angles, the correlation differs among proprioception, force sense, quadriceps strength, the Quadriceps/Hamstring ratio, and balance.