POSTURAL INSTABILITY IN ELDERLY DURING HOSPITALIZATION - LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to review the literature to understand the postural instability in the elderly during hospitalization. Aging through physiological and pathological implications may result in the emergence of geriatric syndromes in which postural instability may trigger complications to the health of the elderly. Methods: Articles that focused on postural instability in the elderly during hospitalization and published between 2001-2015 were included in the study. They excluded those who addressed the postural instability associated with other diseases. Results: 14 articles were included in the study, mostly related to postural changes that may influence the activities of daily living. Seniors who remain indefinitely interned in a hospital are more susceptible to various motor and cognitive changes, and generate costs and extended time in the institution. Postural instability can increase the risk of falls occur and interfere with the functional performance of the elderly. Physical mobility restriction results in stiffening of the joints, loss of bone structures and the presence of acute or chronic diseases. The use of drugs also interferes with the postural control of the hospitalized elderly, cause adverse reactions, cognitive and motor changes. Conclusions: Because of the lack of clinical trials involving the issue further studies are needed to support and understand the postural instability in the elderly during hospitalization.