A simple posturographic method detects the difference in recovery of patients receiving endoscopic sedation with propofol vs. midazolam

Background: Measurement of the residual effects of sedatives on fitness for ambulation is typically performed with subjective measures, if at all. Previous efforts to objectively measure these effects employed dynamic posturography with expensive equipment that is not easily brought to the bedside and carries a risk of patient injury. A simple test employing consumer off-the-shelf technology that exposes the patient to no more risk than standing still might permit a more reliable assessment of fitness for discharge. We have previously shown that a simple tester, using a Nintendo Wii Balance board and software that determined fuzzy sample entropy of postural sway can separate outpatients' postural steadiness before (PRE) and after (POST) endoscopy with midazolam/fentanyl conscious sedation. Propofol/fentanyl monitored anesthesia care also alters balance, but recovery is known to be more rapid. We hypothesized that the ability to detect decrements in postural steadiness with fuzzy sample entropy following monitored anesthesia care would be less than that seen in conscious sedation.