Postural balance and falls in older adults with asthma: a controlled cross-sectional study with follow-up

Postural balance is impaired in adults with asthma; however, this remains poorly understood in older people with asthma.

To assess postural balance and the incidence of falls in older individuals with moderate to severe asthma.

A controlled cross-sectional study with follow-up included individuals aged 65-80 years (asthma group, AG; n = 26) and without asthma (control group, CG; n = 27). The control group was matched by sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). The evaluations included comorbidities, fear of falling, muscle strength, and postural balance in different conditions. Subsequently, individuals received a fall diary and were followed up for six months.

AG had more comorbidities, greater fear of falling, and consumed more medications (p < 0.005). AG also had worse postural balance assessed by the Mini-BESTest compared to the CG (23 [18.0-25.0] vs. 24 [21.00-26.00] score; p = 0.03). AG showed a greater CoP oscillation than CG at rest in natural base without foam (1.22 [0.78-1.94] vs. 0.88 [0.64-1.37] cm²; p = 0.04) and at semi-tandem, post-exertion with foam (3.56 [2.59-6.57] vs. 2.54 [1.94-3.42] cm², p = 0.006). No between-group difference was observed in the predicted quadriceps and ankle dorsiflexor muscle strength (p > 0.05). Despite greater fear of falling and poorer balance, no group difference was observed in fall incidence over 6 months (8 vs. 10 falls), which may be partially explained by the follow-up period and the characteristics of the control group.

Our findings partially support the study hypothesis. Older adults with asthma exhibit impaired balance and an increased fear of falling, but this does not necessarily translate into a higher incidence of falls.