Tratamiento con miniplatos inestables del síndrome de desequilibrio posterior en pacientes ancianos institucionalizados

Abstract

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Balance issues, and most specifically Backward Disequilibrium Syndrome (BDS), are common amongst the elderly population. BDS is a postural disorder which implies a posterior shift of a person’s center of gravity, relative to their base of support, increasing their risk of falls. Falls are a main cause of morbidity and mortality, and a burden for the health system and its workers. Treatment for BDS is mainly based on improving proprioception and balance, in order to improve body awareness. This study aims to determine whether a specific protocol using unstable mini-boards can improve balance in institutionalized older people. PURPOSE To evaluate whether the proposed treatment protocol using unstable mi- ni-boards improves balance in institutio- nalized elderly patients, diagnosed with Backward Disequilibrium Syndrome. METHODS Single-blinded, 2-group, randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients were institutionalized adults, age 65 or older, of any gender, ethnic, cultural or socioeconomic status, diagnosed with Backward Disequilibrium Syndrome. The intervention group underwent a supervised, 12-week proprioception and balance exercise program. The control group continued receiving the conventional treatment they had been receiving so far. Outcomes were assessed using the Tinetti and Timed Up and Go (TUG) scales, at baseline, weeks 6, 8 and 12. RESULTS/DISCUSSION Sample consisted of 77 patients from 11 different residential homes in the Catalunya and Castilla Leon regions of Spain. Size was n=48 for the interven- tion group; n=29 for the control group, which was considered as well-balanced, for all analysis factors. Results showed a 1,77 improvement (= 0,70-3,54), relative to the Total Tinetti score and the existing relationship between each additional point for the Static Tine- tti (-0,50) with every additional age increase in years (-0,08). A mean reduc- tion of 2,80 seconds was observed for the TUG (1,70-6,40), as well as a corre- lation with the patient’s age, showing that for every additional life year, re- sults dropped by -0,05 (-0,08-0,03). For all subjects who enrolled and dropped out, an intention-to-treat analysis was undertaken, which showed no signifi- cant differences in final results. CONCLUSIONS