Central Sensitization in Knee Osteoarthritis

The stimuli that activate nociceptors cause the dorsal horn of the spinal cord neurons to be sensitive to low-intensive afferent stimuli by decreasing the excitation threshold in patients with osteoarthritis. Although painful stimuli disappear, this situation causes pain to continue and a decrease in quality of life. Therefore, central sensitization should be considered and treated in patients with osteoarthritis. Although various pharmacological and electrophysiological agents are used in the treatment of central sensitization, adequate efficacy is not provided in patients with osteoarthritis. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of balance exercises on central sensitization in patients with knee osteoarthritis.