Longitudinal posturography and rotational testing in children three to nine years of age: normative data.
OBJECTIVE
To obtain normative longitudinal vestibulo-ocular and balance test data in children from ages three to nine years with normal middle ear status.


METHODS
Prospective, longitudinal cohort.


METHODS
Tertiary care pediatric hospital.


METHODS
Three-year-old children were entered and tested yearly. Subjects underwent earth vertical axis rotation testing using sinusoidal and constant velocity stimuli and performed the Sensory Organization Test.


RESULTS
One hundred forty-eight children were entered, and usable data were collected on 127 children. A linear increase in the vestibulo-ocular reflex gain as children aged was found, without a change in the phase of the response. An age-related linear increase in equilibrium scores, indicating reduced postural sway, was also observed.


CONCLUSIONS
These normative data can be used in the evaluation of dizziness and balance disorders in children.
Casselbrant
Margaretha L
ML
Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA.
Mandel
Ellen M
EM
Sparto
Patrick J
PJ
Perera
Subashan
S
Redfern
Mark S
MS
Fall
Patricia A
PA
Furman
Joseph M
JM
D001827:Body Height; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values; D012027:Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular / Q000502:physiology; D012399:Rotation; D014724:Vestibular Function Tests