Static balance dysfunction in patients with impaired glucose regulation

Objective To evaluate the static balance function in patients with impaired glucose regulation. Methods Twenty-nine patients [13 males and 16 females, mean age (49.69±6.13) years] with impaired glucose regulation (IGR group) were recruited from Fuxing Hospital of Capital Medical University between July 2016 and August 2017, and 24 healthy controls [5 males and 19 females, (46.37±7.19) years, Con group] were recruited in the same period. General baseline data and endocrine-related test results were collected. Static balancing apparatus was used to evaluate the balance function of the subjects. The evaluation indexes include the unit area statokinesigram length (UAL), total length of the track, maximum amplitudes, the surface of statokinesigram area (SSKG) and Romberg quotient. Two independent samples t test was used to compare the mean of the two groups with normal distribution, Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the data with non-normal distribution, and χ2 test was used to compare the rates. Results (1) When standing on the hard platform with eyes opened, there was no statistically significant differences in SSKG, total length of the track, maximum amplitudes and UAL between IGR group and Con group (t=1.302-1.583, P>0.05); (2) When standing on the hard platform with eyes closed, SSKG, total length of the track, maximum amplitudes and Romberg quotient were all higher in IGR group than those in Con group [(829.22±299.48) vs (337.23±161.69) mm; (1 035.17±354.77) vs (835.75±299.48) mm; (55.38±21.89) vs (39.71±9.22) mm; (1.83±0.98) vs (1.25±0.58)%, respectively], and the UAL in IGR group was lower than that in Con group [(1.79±0.87) vs (2.76±1.22) mm, t=-3.332, P=0.002]. Conclusion When eyes open, there is no difference in the static balance function between IGR group and control group. under the condition of visual deprivation, the static balance function in IGR group is lower than that in con group; the increase of Romberg quotient indicates that the maintenance of standing static balance function in IGR patients depends more on visual compensation. Key words: Impaired glucose regulation; Static balance function; Falls