Balance function in patients who had undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

A previous study reported a 45% incidence of falling among allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) patients during hospitalisation. We investigated balance and physical function in allo-HSCT patients. Thirty patients (18 men and 12 women) who underwent allo-HSCT between February 2013 and September 2014 were included in this study. Patients were evaluated for up to 3 weeks before and 7 weeks after transplantation. Balance was evaluated using the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and length of centre of pressure (CoP). Physical function was assessed using hand-grip strength, knee-extensor strength tests, and the 6 min walk test (6MWT). TUG and length of CoP were significantly increased following HSCT (P<0.01). Hand-grip strength, knee-extensor strength, and the 6MWT score decreased significantly after allo-HSCT (P<0.01). TUG and length of CoP were negatively correlated with hand grip and knee-extensor strength (P≤0.05). The allo-HSCT patients in this study had worsened dynamic and static movements of the CoP after transplantation as well as decline of physical function. Rehabilitation staff, nurses, and physicians should recognize the decreased balance function of patients who have undergone allo-HSCT.