Muscle weakness and imbalance in older dizzy patients

Dizziness is common in older adults, and may be associated with limitations in physical performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate if leg muscle weakness and imbalance exist in older dizzy patients.

Twenty-three older dizzy patients and an age-matched group of 16 healthy non-dizzy older adults participated in the study. Isometric strength of leg muscles, center of pressure (COP) during quiet standing, and maximal distance of reaching forward in standing were tested. All patients answered the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI).

Most patients reported that they were handicapped by dizziness (DHI mean 31.8, SD 22.1). Compared with the healthy group, they showed significantly weaker strength in hip extension, knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion (all p < 0.000). Imbalance, indicated by greater COP trajectory (p = 0.008) and anteroposterior range of displacement (p = 0.001) during quiet standing, and a smaller forward reach distance (p < 0.000), was also found in patients.

Leg muscle weakness and imbalance were more common in older dizzy patients than in healthy subjects. Clinical management should include assessment and therapy for these problems.