Balance performance in patients with heart failure

Background: It has been suggested that patients with heart failure (HF) have an increased fall rate. Although balance is one of the most important risk factors for fall, there is not sufficient information about balance in HF. Objective: To compare static, dynamic and functional balance between patients with HF and healthy controls. Methods: Twenty-seven patients with HF and 22 healthy controls were recruited in this study. The Unilateral Stance (US) and Limits of Stability (LOS) tests were used to measure static and dynamic balance, respectively. Functional balance was assessed with Berg Balance Scale. Results: There was no significant difference in age, gender and body mass index between the groups (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference in US with open eyes between the groups (p < 0.05). Reaction time (backward and left), endpoint excursion (backward), maximum excursion (forward and backward) and directional control (forward and right) variables of LOS were significantly different between the groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Patients with HF have impaired static, dynamic and functional balance. Considering the balance impairment, a comprehensive balance assessment performed and balance training should be included in the management of HF as a part of the cardiac rehabilitation program.