Citation

Ryan AS, Roy A, Oursler KK. AIDS Res. Hum. Retroviruses 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, 246010, Geriatric Research & Education, Roanoke, Virginia, United States; oursler@vt.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Mary Ann Liebert Publishers)

DOI

10.1089/AID.2019.0102

PMID

31547668

Abstract

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-sec 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<0.05). Adults with HIV have nearly 100% greater COP sway variability than controls (1.42±1.20 cm2 vs. 0.71±0.1 cm2, P<0.05). This data demonstrating differences in COP sway area between groups may be a better reflection of potential fall risk and contribute to frailty in older adults with HIV.

Language: en