Postural Control in Prader-Willi Syndrome
Author Information
Author(s): Cimolin Veronica, Galli Manuela, Rigoldi Chiara, Grugni Graziano, Vismara Luca, Mainardi Luca, Capodaglio Paolo
Primary Institution: Bioengineering Department, Politecnico di Milano
Hypothesis
Can the fractal dimension technique provide a better understanding of postural control in patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome compared to traditional methods?
Conclusion
The fractal dimension method offers a more informative description of postural deficits in Prader-Willi Syndrome than traditional time and frequency domain analyses.
Supporting Evidence
- PWS patients showed greater displacements in both antero-posterior and medio-lateral directions compared to controls.
- Fractal dimension values were higher in PWS individuals, indicating a more complex postural control pattern.
- Frequency analysis showed no significant differences between PWS and control groups.
Takeaway
This study looked at how people with Prader-Willi Syndrome stand and balance. It found that a special math method called fractal dimension helps us understand their balance better than just looking at how they move over time.
Methodology
The study involved 11 patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome and 20 age-matched controls, using static posturography to analyze their postural control through time, frequency, and fractal dimension techniques.
Limitations
The small sample size limits the strength of the findings, and the comparison with normal-weight individuals may not isolate the effects of obesity from those of the genetic disorder.
Participant Demographics
11 adult patients (5 males, 6 females; age: 34.4 ± 3.7 years) with Prader-Willi Syndrome and 20 age-matched controls (10 males, 10 females; age: 31.4 ± 9.6 years).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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