Pain, balance, grip strength and gait parameters of older adults with and without post-chikungunya chronic arthralgia

Abstract

Objective: To compare the levels of pain, grip strength, balance and gait in older adults with and without post-Chikungunya chronic arthralgia (PCCA). Methods: Sixty-two older adults, 30 with and 32 without PCCA participated in the study. Pain level was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Gait during a 10-m walk was assessed using inertial sensors. Semi-static balance was assessed during an eyes-closed bipedal balance test on a force platform, and grip strength was assessed using a hand dynamometer. Results: Participants with PCCA presented severe levels of pain (VAS > 7.5), poorer balance, lower grip strength, walked slower, with lower cadence and stride length and higher stride time and stride length variability than participants without PCCA (P < 0.001 for all variables). Conclusions: Older adults with PCCA had high levels of pain, impaired balance and gait and lower grip strength compared to older adults without PCCA.