Somatosensation, circulation and stance balance in elderly dysvascular transtibial amputees.
OBJECTIVE
To establish the relationship between poor lower limb somatosensory and circulatory status with standing balance, falls history, age and mobility level in dysvascular transtibial amputees (TTAs).


METHODS
Within-subjects evaluation of somatosensation, circulation and stance balance measures in dysvascular transtibial amputees.


METHODS
Physiotherapy department of a tertiary metropolitan hospital in Australia.


METHODS
Twenty-two community-dwelling unilateral dysvascular transtibial amputee volunteers, aged between 54 and 86 recruited from a metropolitan hospital outpatient amputee clinic.


METHODS
Lower limb vibration sense, light touch sensation and circulatory status were related to centre of pressure excursion during quiet stance, dynamic balance measures of forward and lateral reach distance, and demographic information such as falls history and mobility level.


RESULTS
Overall, poor somatosensory status was associated with poor stance balance. There was an association between poor vibration and circulation and increased centre of pressure excursion in quiet stance and reduced reach distance, whereas poor light touch was linked with even weight-bearing in quiet stance. Poor vibration sense was associated with a history of frequent falls.


CONCLUSIONS
Compromised lower limb somatosensation and circulation was linked with poor balance and a history of frequent falls in the elderly dysvascular amputee population.
Quai
Tammie M
TM
Physiotherapy Department, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
Brauer
Sandra G
SG
Nitz
Jennifer C
JC
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000674:Amputees; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011674:Pulse; D020886:Somatosensory Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014110:Touch; D014732:Vibration