title: Effects of hypertension on balance assessed by computerized posturography in the elderly.
abstract: Unsteadiness, dizziness and vertigo occur more frequently in hypertensive subjects, compared to the normal ones. This study evaluated the influence of hypertension on balance tests, performed on posturographic platform. The study pool consisted of 112 persons aged 65 and older (65 hypertensives), their mean age was 72.9+/-0.5, scored on the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) greater than 24, were able to perform self-care activities, to walk independently for at least 400 m and were free from major diseases. Subjective dizziness and vertigo were assessed by means of Sickness-Impact-Profile-Questionnaire (SIPQ). The static posturographic tests were performed on a vertical force platform, from which the center of foot pressure (COP) positions and displacements were recorded. In balance tests three standardized positions were utilized: feet 30 degrees apart, semitandem and tandem. Subjects with hypertension complained more frequently dizziness and vertigo (41.5% vs. 21.3%). The track-length and COP-velocity were associated with age in all the balance tests. In semitandem and tandem positions, the medio-lateral sway distance significantly increased in elderly subjects compared to young controls. No difference, however, was found in balance tests between normotensive and hypertensive subjects. Those with uncomplicated hypertension compared with normo-tensive subjects, although complaining more frequently symptoms of postural instability, did not show worse performances in static posturographic tests.
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate School of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, University G. d'Annunzio Chieti, Via dei Vestini 5, 66013 Chieti Scalo, Italy.
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Abate
authors.forename: Angelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Di Iorio
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pini
authors.forename: Corrado
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Battaglini
authors.forename: Isabella
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Di Nicola
authors.forename: Nunzia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Foschini
authors.forename: Marianna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guglielmi
authors.forename: Marianna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marinelli
authors.forename: Pierluigi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tocco
authors.forename: Raoul
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Saggini
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Abate
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D004244:Dizziness / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D001330:Electronic Data Processing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D004856:Postural Balance; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014717:Vertigo / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology