Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2025, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (6): 1208-1213.doi: 10.12307/2025.321

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Characterization of postural stability in elderly patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus #br#
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Liang Xiaoxiao1, Zheng Jiejiao1, 2, Duan Linru2, Chen Xi1, Zhang Tingyu1   

  1. 1School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; 2Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
  • Received:2024-02-05 Accepted:2024-04-03 Online:2025-02-28 Published:2024-06-21
  • Contact: Zheng Jiejiao, Professor, School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
  • About author:Liang Xiaoxiao, Master, Therapist, School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
  • Supported by:
    Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission Program - "Science and Technology Innovation Action Plan," No. 22Y31900200 (to ZJJ [project participant])

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Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Impaired postural control is an important risk factor for falls and secondary damage in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. Most of the existing studies have analyzed the gait parameters of patients during straight-line walking, but few have analyzed the postural stability characteristics of patients during static and dynamic activities.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the characteristics of postural stability in elderly patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.
METHODS: Twenty-two patients clinically diagnosed with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus at the Department of Neurosurgery, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China, from September 2022 to February 2023 were selected as the patient group, and 18 healthy accompanying family members were selected as the healthy control group. The postural stability characteristics of the subjects were assessed using the Timed Up-and-Go Test, Multi-Directional Reach Test, Berg Balance Scale, and Static Balance Function Test (reaction time, speed of movement, directional control, maximum offset distance, and endpoint travel).
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The time required to complete the Timed Up-and-Go Test was significantly longer in the patient group than in the healthy control group (P < 0.05). The results of the stretching test in the four directions of anterior, posterior, left and right were significantly lower in the patient group than in the healthy control group (P < 0.05). The Berg Balance Scale scores in the patient group were lower than those in the healthy control group (P < 0.05). In the Static Balance Function Test, the results of reaction, movement speed, directional control, maximum offset distance and endpoint travel index were smaller in the patient group than the healthy control group (P < 0.05). To conclude, patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus exhibit overall postural control deficits, and impaired reaction and execution abilities make these patients unable to make timely and accurate motor responses in the face of disturbances from internal or external sources, resulting in postural instability and increasing the risk of falls. 

Key words: idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus, posture control, postural stability, fall risk, balance function

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