Abstract
Background:We aimed to analyze the effect of a physical therapy protocol on unilateral vestibular hypofunction and overall balance in elderly with vertigo.
Methods:The study included nine subjects, four male subjects (68.5 ±11.09 years old) and five females (72.4±7.09 years old). It was used the performance-oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), to evaluate the balance and the Unterberger–Fukuda test for analysis of unilateral vestibular dysfunction through rotations and displacements of the body. We developed and applied a structured physical therapy protocol, consisting of group exercises.
Results:It was observed that after the protocol, all participants improved balance (33.9 ± 5.1 vs. 47.3 ± 7.6, p < 0.0001) and displacement (111.1 ± 38.0 vs. 53.3 ± 34.6, p = 0.0001). However, it was not found significant differences for rotation.
Conclusion:The proposed protocol has contributed to an improvement in balance and vestibular dysfunction of the aged.
Keywords:Aged, Postural balance, Physical therapy modalities, Vestibular diseases