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Screening People on Standing Balance with Romberg Testing and Walking Balance with Tandem Walking
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Prevalence and incidence of balance disorders in community-dwelling older adults: Protocol for the EPIBAS
Pilar Montero-Alía1,2,3, Antonia Fornes-Reynes1,2, M Carmen Rodríguez-Pérez1,2,4
1Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Metropolitana Nord (USR Metro-Nord), Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Atenció Primària Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAP Jordi Gol), Mataró, Barcelona, Spain.
Plos One
|June 5, 2026
Summary
This study investigates balance disorders (BDs) in older adults, finding links between retinal health, physical function, and fall risk. Early detection markers are crucial for preventing autonomy loss.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Balance disorders (BDs) significantly impact autonomy and quality of life in older adults.
- Limited epidemiological data exists for BDs, hindering prevention and monitoring efforts.
- Accessible diagnostic markers for BDs are critically needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess BD prevalence and incidence in adults aged 65-72, exploring links with retinal microvasculature.
- Evaluate the Wii Balance Board™ for balance assessment against posturography.
- Identify predictors of BD and fall risk, including knee extensor strength and combined physical-cognitive function.
Main Methods:
- A two-phase observational study (cross-sectional and 18-month follow-up) involving 1,316 participants (aged 65-75).
- Utilized posturography, retinal photography, knee extensor strength tests, and various balance assessments (Tinetti, TUG, Unipedal Stance, SPPB, Wii Balance Board™).
- Monitored falls through bimonthly phone calls.
Main Results:
- The study aims to establish prevalence and incidence rates of BDs.
- Investigates the association between retinal microvasculature abnormalities and BD.
- Validates the Health Assessment Tool (HAT) in a Spanish population and assesses Wii Balance Board™ effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- BDs are underdiagnosed and undertreated, necessitating increased awareness and research.
- Identifying predictors and validating assessment tools can improve preventive strategies for fall risk.
- This research aims to enhance the management of this significant geriatric syndrome.
