Balance performance in patients with heart failure.

Abstract Background It has been suggested that patients with heart failure (HF) have an increased fall rate. Although balance is one of the most important risk factors for fall, there is not sufficient information about balance in HF. Objective To compare static, dynamic and functional balance between patients with HF and healthy controls. Methods Twenty-seven patients with HF and 22 healthy controls were recruited in this study. The Unilateral Stance (US) and Limits of Stability (LOS) tests were used to measure static and dynamic balance, respectively. Functional balance was assessed with Berg Balance Scale. Results There was no significant difference in age, gender and body mass index between the groups (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference in US with open eyes between the groups (p  Conclusions Patients with HF have impaired static, dynamic and functional balance. Considering the balance impairment, a comprehensive balance assessment performed and balance training should be included in the management of HF as a part of the cardiac rehabilitation program.