The effect of different anxiety levels on postural stability

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of postural stability on individuals with different anxiety levels. 20 individuals who are over the age of 18 with Generalized Anxiety Disorder Test (GAD-7) and also have mild anxiety level with no dizziness/balanced disorder were assigned to the study Group I (5-9 score range), 20 individuals with moderate range were included in the study Group II (10-14 score range), 20 individuals who scored below 5 were included in the control group with the single blind method. For the balance assessment, Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance (mCTSIB), Limits of Stability (LOS) Test, Walk Across (WA) Test, Tandem Walk (TW) Test were performed. In addition, Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) was used for subjective balance assessment, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used for anxiety assessment. In the study, statistically significant difference was obtained between the groups in the parameters of Stability Limits Test, left lateral and left anterior movement speed parameters (p<0.05). For the groups arranged according to the State-Trait Anxiety Scale, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups in the anterior reaction time, the right posterior end point and the posterior movement speed parameters (p <0.05). In Post-Hoc tests, for the groups arranged according to the State-Trait Anxiety Scale, it was observed that the movement speed in the movements towards left anterior and left lateral was higher for the moderate anxiety group than the low anxiety group, and the anterior reaction time and right posterior endpoint parameter were lower for the high anxiety group than the control group. The results support the idea that some parameters of balance may be affected by the level of anxiety. Balance and anxiety have a multifactorial and complex structure. Generalized Anxiety Disorder Test and State-Trait Anxiety Tests reflect individuals' different anxiety states. In line with the results obtained, it was concluded that the use of State and Trait Anxiety scores would be more effective than Generalized Anxiety scores in determining the level of anxiety in the studies to be planned to determine the effects of anxiety and balance.