Fall Risk, Postural Control, Muscle Strength and Cognitive Function in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

Abstract

Purpose: Falls are common in liver cirrhosis. Our aim was to investigate fall risk, postural control, muscle strength and cognitive function in cirrhosis, compare the results to healthy controls and investigate the inter-relationships. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four patients (12 males, 12 females) and 24 healthy controls (11 males, 13 females) were enrolled. Fall risk was assessed with Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) and Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT). Postural control was assessed using posturography. Quadriceps Femoris and Tibialis Anterior strength were assessed with dynamometer. Cognitive function was evaluated with Stroop test. Disease severity was assessed with Child-Pugh and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores. Results: Postural sway velocity (PSV) on foam surface eyes open (FSEO), FES score and TUGT duration were higher in patients (p<0.05). TUGT duration was correlated with disease severity. Lower extremity muscle strength was lower in patients (p<0.05). Dynamic postural control was deteriorated in patients (p<0.05). Lower extremity muscle strength was correlated with PSV-FSEO and FES score (p<0.05). Conclusion: Patients with liver cirrhosis present significant decrease in muscle strength independent from disease severity, associated with static postural control on an unstable surface and fear of falling. Dynamic postural control is significantly deteriorated in liver cirrhosis, not in relation to muscle strength.

Keywords

• Fall risk
• postural control
• muscle strength
• cognitive function
• liver cirrhosis

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