Clinical and Computerized Stabilometrical Evaluation of Postural Balance in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis
2 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
Objective: The aim of this study was to make a detailed evaluation of postural stability with clinic and computerized stabilometric methods in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.
Materials and Methods: Eighty two women with a mean age of 51 years (Group 1- Twenty nine premenopausal women, Group 2- 25 postmenopausal women without osteoporosis and Group 3- 28 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis) were enrolled in this study. Subjects were questioned about risk factors for falls. Cognitive status, anxiety and depression were assessed. Kinesthetic ability trainer 3000 was used to assess statical balance, Timed up and go test (TUG), four square step test (FSST), Berg balance scale (BBS) were used to assess dynamic and functional balance.
Results: Depression was correlated with static balance index only. Age and cognition were correlated with all balance scores. Static, dynamic and functional balance scores of premenopausal women were better than postmenopausal women. Other factors that could affect balance except for age were not different among groups. No significant difference was observed between balance scores of groups, after correction of the effect of age on groups.
Conclusion: This study showed that static and dynamic balance were correlated with age and cognitive function and balance abilities of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were not different from postmenopausal women without osteoporosis and premenopausal women.
Keywords : Menopause, osteoporosis, postural stability, balance.