Metabolic Syndrome and Fall Risk

Completed 55 participants with evidence of the MetS and autonomic neuropathy will be assessed for fall risk with the Four Square Step Test (FSST), which is a measure of dynamic standing balance. Additional endpoints include the dynamic gait index. Measures of height, weight, and waist circumference will be taken and an oral glucose tolerance test as well as lipids and blood pressure will also be measured. Autonomic function will be measured using cardiac autonomic testing, quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test and tilt table testing. Participants will be randomized into either a standard care group that will receive fall risk education or a targeted balance exercise intervention group. Both groups will meet once a week. The intervention group will receive a 12 week balance program with personalized incremental increases in the amount and difficulty of each maneuver.