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Published on: December 11, 2013
Increased postural sway in control subjects with poor orthostatic tolerance
Victoria E Claydon1, Roger Hainsworth
1University of Leeds, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Leeds, United Kingdom. claydon@icord.org
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|October 4, 2005
Summary
Individuals with poor orthostatic tolerance (OT) exhibit greater postural sway, particularly in the anteroposterior direction. These leg movements may help maintain venous return, preventing fainting during orthostatic stress.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Human Movement Science
Background:
- Orthostatic intolerance (OT) affects some individuals, causing presyncope during stress tests.
- A hypothesis suggests that increased leg movements in those with poor OT aid venous return, preventing syncope.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate postural sway differences between individuals with good and poor orthostatic tolerance.
- To explore the relationship between postural sway and orthostatic tolerance.
Main Methods:
- Assessed orthostatic tolerance using head-up tilting and lower body suction.
- Measured postural sway via force platform in subjects with good and poor OT during motionless standing.
Main Results:
- Subjects with poor orthostatic tolerance showed increased anteroposterior sway distance and velocity.
- No significant difference in mediolateral sway was observed between groups.
- A negative correlation was found between postural sway and orthostatic tolerance.
Conclusions:
- Greater leg movements during standing are characteristic of individuals with poor orthostatic tolerance.
- These movements likely enhance venous return, potentially explaining the absence of syncope despite poor test results.
- Postural sway is a relevant factor in understanding orthostatic tolerance mechanisms.
