Analysis of postural control in elderly subjects suffering from Psychomotor Disadaptation Syndrome (PDS)

PDS is a geriatric affliction, described in 1999, characterized by postural impairments, including backward disequilibrium, freezing, a deterioration in the ability to anticipate postural adjustments, anxiety and fear of falling, inducing loss of autonomy. This study compared 10 subjects suffering from PDS, aged 87.3+/-4.9 years, with 10 control subjects, aged 85.4+/-7.9 years concerning postural control (body sway amplitude). In all participants, postural control was assessed using the SwayStar system in natural (spontaneous) and standardized stances, eyes open and eyes closed over a period of 40 s. It was found that: (1) with eyes open, subjects with PDS showed greater body sway amplitude than did controls whatever the position (natural or standardized) and the plane (sagittal or frontal) considered (F(1,16)=6.05; p=0.026), (2) with eyes closed, subjects with PDS showed greater body sway amplitude than did controls in the natural stance whatever the plane (F(1,18)=7.65; p=0.013). In conclusion, PDS has a negative effect on postural control. This data must be taken into account during the rehabilitation of patients with this syndrome.