Contribution of Musculoskeletal Pain to Postural Balance in Community-Dwelling People Aged 75 Years and Older

Balance is among the most important prerequisites for safe and independent mobility. Whether musculoskeletal pain is related to standing balance impairment has received limited attention. The aim of this study was to examine the association of musculoskeletal pain with the control of balance in older people. A total of 605 participants aged 75 years and older (mean age 80.4, 71 % women) were interviewed about presence and severity of musculoskeletal pain. Balance was measured by a force platform, and impaired balance was defined as a high sway velocity moment or inability to maintain semitandem standing. Musculoskeletal pain was reported by 48% of the participants, of whom majority had moderate to severe pain in lower extremities or back. Participants with moderate to severe musculoskeletal pain swayed more while standing than those without pain. After controlling for age, gender, body mass, chronic diseases, muscle strength, and physical activity, the participants with moderate to severe pain had more than twice (odds ratio 2.33, 95% confidence interval 1.44-3.76) the risk for impaired balance compared with those without pain. The findings demonstrate a direct relationship between the moderate to severe musculoskeletal pain and impaired postural balance. Pain seems to be an important target for the prevention of balance impairment and further mobility limitation among older people.