Abstract: Objective To explore the feature of balance function and falling risk in the elderly knee osteoarthritis patients with single knee pain or double knees pain. Methods 30 elderly knee osteoarthritis patients without pain, 30 with single knee pain and 32 with double knees pain were tested with timed up and go test (TUG), postural stability (PS), limits of stability (LOS) and dynamic fall index (DFI). Results There was significant difference in the elderly between no pain and single or double knee pain (P<0.05) in TUG, but not between the single knee pain and double knees pain (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the elderly between single knee pain and no pain (P>0.05) in PS, but was between double knees pain and the other 2 groups (P<0.05). There was significant difference between no pain and single or double knee pain (P<0.05) in LOS, but not between single knee pain and double knees pain (P>0.05). There was significant difference between no pain and single or double knee pain (P<0.05) in DFI, and between single knee pain and double knees pain (P<0.05). Conclusion The elderly osteoarthritis patients with single knee pain are in high falling risk with their dynamic balance injury, while those with double knees pain are in higher falling risk with their static and dynamic balance injury.

Key words: elderly, knee osteoarthritis, knee pain, balance, falling risk