Analysis of postural control in elderly subjects suffering from Psychomotor Disadaptation Syndrome (PDS)

PDS is a geriatric affliction, described in 1999, characterized by postural impairments, including backward disequilibrium, freezing, a deterioration in the ability to anticipate postural adjustments, anxiety and fear of falling, inducing loss of autonomy. This study compared 10 subjects suffering from PDS, aged 87.3 +/- 4.9 years, with 10 control subjects, aged 85.4 +/- 7.9 years concerning postural control (body sway amplitude). In all participants, postural control was assessed using the SwayStar (TM) system in natural (spontaneous) and standardized stances, eyes open and eyes closed over a period of 40 s. It was found that: (1) with eyes open, subjects with PDS showed greater body sway amplitude than did controls whatever the position (natural or standardized) and the plane (sagittal or frontal) considered (F-1,F-16 = 6.05; p = 0.026), (2) with eyes closed, subjects with PDS showed greater body sway amplitude than did controls in the natural stance whatever the plane (F-1,F-18 = 7.65; p = 0.013). In conclusion, PDS has a negative effect on postural control. This data must be taken into account during the rehabilitation of patients with this syndrome. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.