| The aim of this case-control study was to determine if patients with LSS have increased postural sway and impaired balance, compared to their healthy counterparts, as measured by stabilogram diffusion analysis and functional performance tests.; Nine age and gender matched case-control pairs completed questionnaires including Short Form-36 (SF-36) and LSS specific scales. Center of pressure (CoP) was measured using stabilogram diffusion analysis (SDA). Physical examination, the Timed "Up & Go" (TUG) and the Functional Reach (FR) tests assessed functional balance and risk of falls.; LSS patients even those with minimal disease-related impairments have decreased function and poorer balance, particularly in the antero-posterior direction compared to healthy adults. Physical examination measures and the TUG are not adequate to assess balance impairments or risk of falls. Additional measures such as the FR and SDA may be useful in detecting aspects of perceived balance impairments. |
