Citation

Gazzola JM, Caovilla HH, Doná F, Ganança MM, Ganança FF. Rev. Bras. Otorrinolaringol. 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Departamento de Otorrinolaringologia e de Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: fgananca@terra.com.br.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Sociedade Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia)

DOI

10.1016/j.bjorl.2019.03.001

PMID

31175041

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Postural instability is one the most common disabling features in vestibular disorders.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the limit of stability and the influence of manipulation of visual, somatosensorial and visual-vestibular information on postural control in older adults with vestibular disorder, with and without a history of falls.

METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Participants - 76 elderly patients with vestibular disorder (G1, without falls; G2, with falls) and 41 healthy elderly subjects (Control Group; CG). Using posturography, analyzed were limit of stability area, body center of pressure, and velocity of oscillation in the standing position in 10 conditions, including open/closed eyes, unstable surface with eyes closed, saccadic and optokinetic stimuli, and visual-vestibular interaction.

RESULTS: Limit of stability area in CG was better compared with G1-2, and center of pressure values were worse in G1 than in CG. Center of pressure area in all conditions and velocity of oscillation in the following conditions: open/closed eyes, optokinetic stimulation, and visual-vestibular interaction showed worse values in G2 than in CG. Center of pressure area in the following conditions: open/closed eyes, saccadic and optokinetic stimuli, visual-vestibular interaction, and unstable surface with eyes closed showed worse values in G2 than in G1.

CONCLUSION: Older adults with vestibular disorder presented reduced limit of stability and increased postural sway in the following conditions: conflict between visual and somatosensory information and visual-vestibular interaction. Deterioration in postural control was significantly associated with history of falls.

Copyright © 2019 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Accidental falls; Aging; Doenças vestibulares; Envelhecimento; Equilíbrio postural; Postural balance; Quedas acidentais; Vestibular diseases