Postural Stability, Fall Risk, and Effects of Balance-Based Exercise in Acromegaly

Objective Acromegaly may impair balance and increase fall risk. We aimed to evaluate postural stability, fall risk, and vestibulo-ocular reflex function in patients with acromegaly and to assess the effects of a balance-oriented exercise program. Design Single-center, prospective case-control study with an exercise intervention. Methods Thirty-two patients with acromegaly (15 active, 17 inactive) and 32 age-, sex-, and body mass index–matched sedentary healthy controls were enrolled. Balance was assessed using computerized dynamic posturography along the anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) axes. Vestibulo-ocular reflex function was evaluated with the video head impulse test. Clinical assessments included the Berg Balance Scale, International Falls Efficacy Scale, and Dizziness Handicap Inventory–Short Form. Fifteen patients with balance impairment completed an 8-week home-based exercise program, with outcomes reassessed afterward. Results Patients had lower preference AP, visual ML, vestibular ML, and global AP/ML scores than controls (P < .01). Berg Balance Scale scores were lower, whereas fall risk, fear-of-falling, and dizziness scores were higher in patients (P < .05). Fourier analysis demonstrated increased sway amplitudes with low-frequency dominance under static and dynamic conditions (P < .05). Global AP/ML scores were lower in active than inactive patients (P < .05). Vestibulo-ocular reflex gains were similar between groups (P > .05). Exercise significantly improved balance and clinical scale scores (P < .05). Conclusions Balance impairment and increased fall risk may occur in acromegaly, likely due to deficits in central sensory integration. Balance-oriented rehabilitation may improve postural control and reduce fall risk in this population.