Absent pedal pulse and impaired balance in older people: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study
Background and aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between abnormal pedal pulse status and postural balance in older people. Methods: Prospective, population-based cohort study of older residents in the city of Jyvaskyla, Finland. A total of 419 individuals aged 75 or 80 at baseline, with known lower extremity pulse status and balance tests performed on a force platform, were eligible for analysis. Results: Cross-sectionally, persons with both dorsal pedal artery pulses absent were found to sway more (p=0.047 anteroposterior velocity, normal standing eyes-open position). The risk of being unable to do the full tandem stance was twofold (OR=2.20, 95% CI 1.29–3.7…