Effects of balance training in elderly people with nonperipheral vertigo and unsteadiness.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of balance training in group in elderly people with nonperipheral vertigo and unsteadiness.


METHODS
Randomized controlled study.


METHODS
Ear-, nose- and throat department, University Hospital, Sweden.


METHODS
Twenty-three elderly subjects with nonperipheral vertigo and/or unsteadiness randomized into training group and control group.


METHODS
The training group attended balance training in group twice a week for eight weeks.


METHODS
Timed static balance tests, walking tests and six sensory organization tests on EquiTest dynamic posturography were performed before and after the training period. Besides, the patients estimated their vertigo and unsteadiness on a visual analogue scale (VAS) before and after the training period.


RESULTS
The training group improved significantly in standing on one leg with eyes open, walking forward on a line, walking speed, in three out of six tests on dynamic posturography and estimated less vertigo and unsteadiness measured with VAS. No changes were seen in the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Balance training in elderly people with nonperipheral vertigo and unsteadiness seems to improve both objective and perceived balance.
Kammerlind
A S
AS
Department of Neuroscience and Locomotion, Linköping University, Sweden. anngu@inr.liu.se
Håkansson
J K
JK
Skogsberg
M C
MC
D000368:Aged; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D014717:Vertigo / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*