Evaluation of postural balance and risk of fall in a healthy adult population

Abstract

Purpose: In this retrospective study, it was aimed to evaluate the risk of fall and balance, and to determine whether there is a correlation between the risk of fall and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, which are the evaluating the vestibular system, in the healthy adults who are working in a factory.

Material and Methods: The data of 69 male participants have been reached. Bilateral Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials data and Berg Balance Scale of the participants have been recorded along with balance tests and risks of fall by using the Tetrax Interactive Balance System. The correlations between these measurements were measured

Results: There was no statistically significant correlation between age and the risk of fall. Also, There ere no significant correlation between the values of latency and amplitude of the bilateral Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential waves, Berg Balance Scale, balance tests, and risk of fall. Berg Balance Scale scores showed a considerably good balance while the risk of fall ranged between 0% and 78%.

Conclusion: Advanced age may be not alone significant factor for the risk of fall. Berg Balance Scale may not exactly show the risk of fall in the young adult population. Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials measurements may not provide a significant contribution to evaluate the risk of fall and balance. Our study underlines that there may be a risk of falling more than expected in the community.