Open AccessGait and Balance Biomechanics in Older Adults With and Without Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Author(s) -
Alice S. Ryan,
Abhishek Roy,
Krisann K. Oursler
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
aids research and human retroviruses
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.993
H-Index - 92
eISSN - 1931-8405
pISSN - 0889-2229
DOI - 10.1089/aid.2019.0102
Subject(s) - balance (ability) , berg balance scale , physical medicine and rehabilitation , gait , medicine , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , dynamic balance , physical therapy , center of pressure (fluid mechanics) , poison control , falls in older adults , injury prevention , immunology , physics , environmental health , aerodynamics , quantum mechanics , engineering , aerospace engineering
Balance deficits impose limitations and can impede safe walking contributing to falls and falls-related complications. The objective of this study was to perform an in-depth balance assessment and compare domains of limitations in older men with and without HIV infection. Fifteen sedentary African American men either with HIV ( n = 6) or without HIV ( n = 9 controls) participated. Standing balance was assessed under quiet stance on dual synchronized force plates during three 30 s trials with eyes open. Participants also completed standardized clinical instruments of balance, including the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI). Older participants with HIV have lower BBS and DGI scores than controls (both p < .05). Adults with HIV have nearly twice the magnitude greater center of pressure (COP) sway variability than controls (1.42 ± 1.20 cm 2 vs. 0.71 ± 0.1 cm 2 , p < .05). These data demonstrating differences in COP sway area between groups may further support evidence of potential fall risk and contribute to frailty in older adults with HIV.