Relationship between history of falls and foot pressure centre parameters during gait and stance in patients with lower-limb osteoarthritis

The risk of falls increases with age, particularly in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). We aimed to investigate the relationships of fall history and spatiotemporal parameters in patients with hip and knee OA. This cross-sectional study included 51 patients with hip or knee OA. Fall history over the past year was recorded, and the centre of pressure (COP) parameters of gait and standing were assessed using the FDM-T treadmill. Comparisons were made between the fall and non-fall groups. Compared with the non-fall group, the fall group exhibited significant posterior displacement of the COP intersection during gait (p = 0.001). In hip OA patients, significant age, anterior-posterior symmetry, and variability differences were observed. In knee OA patients, anterior-posterior symmetry and lateral variability showed significant between-group differences. This study revealed a significant association between posterior COP displacement during gait and fall history. This parameter may serve as a novel fall indicator. Further prospective studies are needed to determine its predictive value for fall prevention.