Evaluation of the effects of ethanol on static and dynamic gait.
OBJECTIVE
We used two balance assessment devices, computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) and Swaystar transducers to detect subtle balance system deficits in nine subjects who had ingested minimal amounts of alcohol.


METHODS
Nine subjects were evaluated with both modalities before, and repetitively after, ingesting a small amount of alcohol.


METHODS
We measured condition 5 (sway referenced platform; eyes closed) on CDP and tandem walking with eyes closed while wearing Swaystar to see if either test could detect a balance deficit.


METHODS
We measured total sway amplitude with eyes closed in pitch and roll planes during tandem walking with Swaystar, and static balance scores of CDP sensory organization testing condition 5 before and after alcohol ingestion at 20 min intervals.


RESULTS
Although there was no detectable deficit measurable by CDP, eight of our nine subjects showed increased dynamic sway as measured by Swaystar, after alcohol ingestion. Total sway was significantly greater (p=.05) after alcohol ingestion.


CONCLUSIONS
It is important to assess dynamic, rather than static, equilibrium as it may have potential in detecting very subtle balance deficits.
Mallinson
Arthur I
AI
Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, and Neuro-otology Unit, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia. art@mallinson.ca
Longridge
Neil S
NS
Morley
Rebecca E
RE
D000328:Adult; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000187:drug effects*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis
D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D000431:Ethanol