Oscillation of the Center of Pressure, Balance and Functional Mobility in Patients with Chronic Venous Ulcers

Abstract

Introduction: It is known that balance is reduced in aging, however, changes in balance in patients with venous ulcers is not clear. Objective: To evaluate the oscillation of pressure center, functional mobility and balance of patients with venous ulcer in the lower limbs. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study. The study included 8 patients of both sexes with chronic venous ulcers (66.87 ± 8.82 years), with unilateral or bilateral venous ulcers. Balance was measured by the Berg Balance scale, functional mobility by Timed Up and Go and the oscillation of the center of pressure (COP) by the baropodometry and stabilometry platform. Results: We found a risk of falls in patients with venous wounds in both lower limbs, while no risk of falls was observed in patients with unilateral ulcer, greater oscillation of the anteroposterior COP compared to the lateral medial in the condition of open and closed eyes in patients with unilateral chronic venous ulcer, greater oscillation of the anteroposterior COP compared to the lateral medial only in the condition of closed eyes in the group of patients with wounds in both lower limbs. Conclusion: These findings shown that its need to rethink interventions for patients with chronic venous ulcers, using not only strategies to promote wound healing, but also strategies to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls, providing a comprehensive care health of these individuals.