Abstract
Introduction Several medications have been associated with an increased risk of balance deficits and greater likelihood to sustain a fall. Statins are regularly prescribed to prevent strokes and heart attacks, but the impact of Statins on balance is unknown. The aim of this paper was to determine whether Statin use is associated with poorer balance performances in older adults. Material and methods Participants 60 years and above were separated into two groups, one group was taking Statins (n = 34), and the other group was not taking Statins (n = 31). All participants completed an eyes closed and eyes open balance assessment on a Matscan pressure sensing mat. Center of Pressure (CoP) velocity, peak to peak distance and standard deviation were collected in both anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions. Multivariate regression analyses were performed in order to determine if Statin use predicted balance performance while controlling for several other risk factors associated with balance or Statin intake. Results After controlling for covariates, Statin intake significantly predicted both CoP ML amplitude (B = 0.638, P = 0.004) and ML velocity (B = 0.653, P = 0.002) in the eyes open condition. Discussion–conclusion The findings of this study suggest that caution should be taken when prescribing Statins in older adults, as this could decrease ML stability and ultimately increase fall risk.
Published Version
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