Diurnal variation in the static balance of hospitalized patients

[Purpose] Falls often occur in rehabilitation wards. The aim of this study was to clarify the balance ability of patients at different times of day. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 79 patients with orthopedic conditions who were admitted to a convalescence rehabilitation ward. Balance ability was evaluated before breakfast, before lunch, and after dinner using the standing test for imbalance and disequilibrium. Based on the balance before lunch results, the subjects were divided into two groups, and their age, cognitive function, muscle strength, activities of daily living, and drug taking were compared. [Results] The patients with imbalance before lunch, showed significantly reduced balance ability before breakfast and after dinner. Patients with imbalance were older and had lower cognitive function and muscle strength than those without imbalance. The group with good pre-lunch balance showed reductions in balance ability before breakfast and after dinner. On the other hand, the group with poor pre-lunch balance ability had low balance ability throughout the day. [Conclusion] The balance ability of patients without imbalance during the day is lower in the morning and at night. There is a need for fall prevention measures for these patients.