Vertigo Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Vertigo, including details on causes, symptoms, treatment, dizziness.

Effects of hypertension on balance assessed by computerized posturography in the elderly.

Abate M, Di Iorio A, Pini B, Battaglini C, Di Nicola I, Foschini N, Guglielmi M, Marinelli M, Tocco P, Saggini R, Abate G

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.

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 400m 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.

Published 14 July 2008 in Arch Gerontol Geriatr.
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