Role of emotional disorders in strategy of static equilibrium among patients of old age

Aim. To detect the mechanisms of maintaining static equilibrium in old patients with complaints for vertigo, depending on disorders in emotional sphere.

Materials and methods. Eighty two patients of old age (75-89) with complaints for vertigo were examined. On the basis of clinical data and results of psychometric testing, 2 groups of patients were formed: patients with emotional disorders and those free of them. Functional stabilometric study (open eyes test, Romberg test, optokinetic test) in European standard was performed using stabilometer (MBN-Biomechanics Company).

Results. Disturbances of static equilibrium among old patients with emotional disorders are reflected in changed stabilometric parameters of functional tests and are represented by instablity of low-variable parameter - center-of-pressure displacement velocity, improvement of parameters in repeated studies with short exposition and in complicated functional tests.

Conclusions. Emotional disorders influence the strategy of maintaining static equilibrium in patients of old age. It effects postural activity and can be measured quantitatively using computer stabilometry. Functional character of ataxia in patients with emotional disorders is manifested by variability of stabilometric parameters and improvement of parameters, as functional tests are complicated. The most sensible is the parameter of center-of-pressure displacement velocity.