A novel method of assessing balance and postural sway in patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Abstract

Patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) frequently suffer from poor balance and proprioception and are at an increased risk for falls. Here we present a means of assessing a variety of balance and postural conditions in a fast and non-invasive manner. The equipment required is commercially available and requires limited personnel. Patients can be repeatedly tested to determine balance and postural differences as a result of disease progression and aging, or a reversal following balance/exercise interventions.

Keywords: balance; center of gravity; hEDS; postural sway; proprioception.