[Postural deficits and risk of falling in elderly persons with incipient osteoporosis].
BACKGROUND
Falls and fall-dependent complications represent major problems in geriatrics. Approximately 80-90% of femoral neck fractures in postmenopausal women are caused by falls.


OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to evaluate a new posturographic measurement system (Interactive Balance System, IBS) regarding its potential to predict falls in osteoporotic patients.


METHODS
A total of 228 patients admitted for osteodensitometry because of suspected osteoporosis were included in the study. During the baseline investigation, bone density and postural regulation were measured. Over a follow-up period of 12 months, all falls were recorded in a fall diary. Participants with more than two falls per year were classified as persons at high risk of falling.


RESULTS
In patients with confirmed osteoporosis (n=139), the posturographic frequency range F(2-4) was found to be predictive for falls. The ROC analysis of the dependent fall index FIOR(F2-4) showed an AUC value of 0.88.


CONCLUSIONS
IBS is an effective assessment for fall prediction in osteoporosis. Especially peripheral-vestibular regulation mechanisms seem to be of great importance in the evaluated patient group.
Schwesig
R
R
Department Sportwissenschaft, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Deutschland. rene.schwesig@sport.uni-halle.de
Becker
S
S
Lauenroth
A
A
Müller
K
K
Leuchte
S
S
Esperer
H-D
HD
Kluttig
A
A
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004856:Postural Balance; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity