Static and Dynamic Balance Is Impaired in Patients With Long-Term, Well-Controlled Acromegaly: A Cross-Sectional...

Balance impairment is an underrecognized complication of acromegaly with potentially serious consequences for affected patients. In this study, we aimed to assess the balance in patients with long-term acromegaly compared to non-acromegalic controls.

Cross-sectional study.

Seventeen patients with acromegaly and 17 age- and sex-matched controls were examined using a force platform measuring the Centre of Pressure area (CoP_area) and velocity (CoP_velocity), the timed up-and-go (TUG) test, hand grip and knee extension dynamometry, nerve conduction measurements, visual acuity tests, and questionnaires concerning fear of falling and joint pain (Falls Efficacy Scale [FES-I] and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC]). Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were used to compare groups.

Compared to controls, participants with acromegaly (mean acromegaly duration 13 [±8.8] years, latest mean IGF-I standard deviation score 1.2 [±1.59]) had significantly increased CoP_area adjusted for neural and visual function. When performing a difficult executive task, the CoP_area was impaired, both with (β: 2.24 [1.29; 3.92], p = 0.01) and without (β: 2.09 [1.02; 4.26], p = 0.04) a cushion under their feet, as compared to controls. Mean TUG time was significantly higher in patients with acromegaly than controls (β: 1.24 [0.07; 2.42], p = 0.04), and correlated with self-reported joint pain (β: 0.04 [0.0004; 0.08], p = 0.05).

Both static and dynamic balance is impaired in patients with long-term controlled acromegaly, warranting clinical attention. Further studies are needed to address therapeutic options for this overlooked and potentially serious complication.