Blood Pressure and Dynamic Balance Impairment in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional St

Kadek Andre Yasa; Anak Agung Gede Angga Puspa Negara; Ari Wibawa; I Putu Yudi Pramana Putra

doi:10.24843/mifi.000000409

Authors

Kadek Andre Yasa Undergraduate and Professional Physiotherapy Program, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia Author
Anak Agung Gede Angga Puspa Negara Undergraduate and Professional Physiotherapy Program, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia Author
Ari Wibawa Undergraduate and Professional Physiotherapy Program, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia Author
I Putu Yudi Pramana Putra Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24843/mifi.000000409

Keywords:

older adults, blood pressure, dynamic balance, fall risk

Abstract

Introduction: Older adults (≥60 years) are prone to health decline due to degenerative processes, including blood pressure disorders, which can impact postural balance and increase fall risk. This study analyzes the relationship between blood pressure, dynamic balance, and fall risk in older adults in Singapadu Tengah Village, Sukawati District, Gianyar Regency.

Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from March to December 2024 using total sampling purposive sampling, including 58 older adults meeting the inclusion criteria. Blood pressure was measured with a manual sphygmomanometer, dynamic balance with the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and fall risk with the Modified Indonesian Fall Risk Assessment Tool (M-IFRAT). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test.

Results: The chi-square test showed significant relationships between blood pressure and dynamic balance (χ² = 8.080, df = 3, p = 0.044) and between blood pressure and fall risk (χ² = 9.704, df = 3, p = 0.021). Among participants with stage 1 hypertension, 32.8% had impaired balance, and 27.6% were at high fall risk. In stage 2 hypertension, 100% experienced both conditions. Prehypertensive individuals showed 31.0% impaired balance and 20.7% high fall risk, while those with normal blood pressure had the lowest proportions (3.4% and 1.7%, respectively).

Conclusion: Hypertension is significantly associated with dynamic balance impairment and increased fall risk in older adults, with stage 1 hypertension contributing the most.