Influence of celiac disease on balance control and bone mineral density in adult women

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Celiac Disease (CD) is a chronic form of autoimmune enteropathy caused by gluten and related prolamin consumption. CD presents as a neurological, rheumatological, and musculoskeletal disorder, with ataxia and peripheral neuropathy being the most common. These symptoms could affect balance control and consequently the daily activities and decreased bone mass of these individuals. Although balance disorders are increasingly common, and the diagnosis of celiac diseases is growing worldwide, there is no consensus on the influence of a gluten-free diet (GFD) on balance control and bone mineral density (BMD). This study aimed to analyze the influence of celiac disease on balance control and BMD in adult women. Methods: A total of 52 adult women aged 18–56 years participated in the study and were divided into two groups: with (26 patients) and without celiac disease (26 patients). The outcome variables were obtained by anthropometry and sociodemographic data. The Celiac Dietary Adherence Test questionnaire was used to assess adherence to the GFD, Neurocom ™ Smart Equitest® to determine balance control, and GE® Lunar Prodigy Advance DXA Bone densitometer for evaluation of BMD. The displacement of the center of pressure in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions was evaluated under six conditions of the sensory organization test through a routine test performed in MATLAB. Results: Adult women with CD who adhered to a GFD had vestibular system deficits and normal BMD. Discussion: Adult women with CD presented less balance control when they required greater activation of the vestibular system, suggesting that adherence to a GFD leads to normal bone mass.