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Performance in functional balance tests during menopausal hormone replacement: a double-blind placebo-controlled
B Lindmark1, C Lagerström, T Naessén
1University of Uppsala, Sweden.
Summary
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) did not significantly improve postural control in menopausal women compared to placebo. Both groups showed some balance improvements, suggesting HRT
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
Background:
- Emerging evidence suggests oestrogens may influence postural control.
- Menopause is associated with hormonal changes that could impact balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the short-term effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on postural control in menopausal women.
- To examine the relationship between sway velocity and functional balance test outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 100 menopausal women over three months.
- Balance was assessed using nine static and dynamic functional tests and sway velocity measurements on a force platform.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in functional balance tests were observed between the HRT and placebo groups.
- Improvements in balance occurred within both groups over the study period.
- Correlations between sway velocity and functional balance tests were weak (r < 0.35).
Conclusions:
- HRT did not demonstrate a significant positive effect on functional balance performance in this cohort.
- The findings suggest that sway velocity and functional balance tests capture distinct aspects of balance.