Abstract
Introduction
The attribution of balance or gait disorders to psychogenic origin can be exceedingly
challenging, as clinical tests involving distraction maneuvers are prone to subjective
bias. We tested the value of biomechanical balance analysis to identify psychogenic
balance and gait (PBG) disorders. Methods: We quantified and compared the effects of distraction maneuvers on balance based
on four stance conditions (eyes open, EO; eyes closed, EC; EO on foam, EOF; and EC
on foam; ECF) in subjects with suspected PBG (n = 12), subjects with balance and gait disorder due to multiple sclerosis (MS; n = 12) and healthy controls (n = 12). We measured trunk inclination in transverse plane (°)2 and the corresponding body angular velocity (°/s). Distractibility of postural stability
was analysed using ANOVA with repeated measures.
Results
In evident contrast to the MS group and healthy controls, the PBG group showed increased
values of (°)2 and (°/s) and significant distractibility in all four stance conditions.
Conclusions
Biomechanical balance analysis can help clinicians to get objective, quantified results
of distraction maneuvers and confirm a positive diagnosis of PBG disorders. Large
prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 09, 2013
Accepted:
July 8,
2013
Received in revised form:
July 8,
2013
Received:
May 23,
2013
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Elsevier B.V. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
