3.2.1.1 Single-leg stance test

proprioception, strength (capacity of muscle strength), and reaction time may

Postural balance and the vestibular system responses. From Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.

weakness, appear to fall regularly. Aging causes a loss of muscle mass with a preferential decline in type II fibers [34], besides decrements in force production,

power, specific tension, and fatigability [35], increasing the risk of falls.

• Postural imbalance and falling are serious problems faced by the older population.

information from somatosensory, vestibular, and visual systems.

climb stairs, and dress independently, increasing the risk of falls.

3. Approach to the patient with a balance problem

• Postural control is based on the interpretation by central nervous system of convergent sensory

• Impairments in these systems lead directly to functional loss, such as the inability to walk safely, to

As with any good clinical evaluation, a detailed history and a thorough physical examination are essential. As the postural balance depends on several systems, it is

Some diseases can affect muscles and joints. Studies have shown that, in patients with knee osteoarthritis (AO), postural balance is impaired due to reduced quadriceps function and decreased proprioception [31, 32]. Among elderly individuals, the prevalence of knee OA is approximately 12.2%, with a higher prevalence in women

Patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMDs), usually characterized by muscle

contribute to the increase in the probability of fall [30].

org/wiki/File:1410\_Equilibrium\_and\_Semicircular\_Canals.jpg.

(14.9%) than in men (8.7%) [33].

Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology

• Elderly population is increasing.

3.1 Physical examination

180

Key points

Figure 4.

The single leg-stance test (SLS) is simple, has high reliability and low cost, and is widely used for diagnosis and follow-up of patients in research and clinical settings. In this test, the participant remains supported on one leg, with arms resting on the hips, and the time (in seconds) that the patient remains in the position without unbalance is verified [37]. Decreased eyes-open SLS time is associated with an increased risk for falls [38].
