Effects of Hypertension on Balance Control in the Elderly over 65 Years

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between hypertension and balance control in elderly adults over 65 years; to investigate whether hypertension is a risk factor for the decline of balance control in the elderly adults. Methods: 68 volunteers aged over 65 years who were residents in the city were recruited for this study. The fmal study group included 23 non-hypertensive healthy elderly adults, 24 mild-moderate hypertensive elderly adults and 21 severe hypertensive elderly adults. To evaluate postural balance control objectively, the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance test (modified CTSIB, mCTSIB) was performed under four different conditions. Results: There was no difference between mild-moderate hypertension and non-hypertensive healthy elderly adults, however balance control in severe hypertension was lower than non-hypertension (P<0.05). Conclusion: Balance control in severe hypertensive elderly adults was lower than mild-moderate hypertensive and non-hypertensive healthy elderly adults, suggesting severe hypertension may be one of the risk factors for the ability of balance control in elderly adults over 65s.