Balance impairment, vestibular dysfunction, and fear of falling in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a controlled posturographic study.

BACKGROUND

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) may impair postural control and balance through musculoskeletal and proprioceptive alterations.

AIMS/

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate vestibulo-ocular reflex parameters, balance performance, and fear of falling in patients with AS compared with healthy controls.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

This prospective controlled study included 30 patients with AS and 32 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Participants underwent videonystagmography (VNG) and static posturography assessments, including Limits of Stability (LOS), Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance (mCTSIB), and Fall Risk (FR) tests. Fear of falling was assessed using the Fall Efficacy Scale.

RESULTS

Patients with AS demonstrated significantly lower LOS endpoint excursion, maximum excursion, and direction control values than controls (p = 0.020, p = 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). In the mCTSIB assessment, sway velocity during the eyes-closed condition was significantly higher in the AS group (p = 0.020). Fear of falling scores were also significantly higher in patients with AS (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in composite FR parameters.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Patients with AS exhibited impaired balance performance and increased fear of falling. Balance impairment became more evident under reduced visual input, suggesting altered sensory integration and postural control mechanisms in AS.