Static postural balance study in patients with vestibular disorders using a three dimensional electromagnetic sensor system.
The vestibular-ocular reflex assessment is important, but not enough. Tridimensional electromagnetic sensor systems represent a new method to assess posturography.


OBJECTIVE
To assess body sway in healthy subjects who had positive Dix Hallpike and Epley maneuvers and with other vestibular dysfunctions by means of a three-dimensional system.


METHODS
Prospective.


METHODS
We had 23 healthy women, 15 with peripheral vestibular dysfunction found upon caloric test and 10 with positive Epley and Dix Hallpike maneuvers. All tests performed in the following positions: open and closed eyes on stable and unstable surfaces.


RESULTS
With the Eyes Open and on a stable surface, p < 0.01 between the control group and the one with peripheral vestibular dysfunction in all variables, except the a-p maximum, full speed and mediolateral trajectory velocity, which had a p < 0.01 between the group with vestibular dysfunction and controls in all positions. The group with positive Epley and Dix Hallpike maneuvers had p < 0.01 at full speed and in its components in the x and y in positions with open and eyes closed on an unstable surface.


CONCLUSIONS
The tridimensional electromagnetic sensors system was able to generate reliable information about body sway in the study volunteers.
Department of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto/SP, Brazil. dgvarelabr@yahoo.com.br
David Greco
DG
Varela
Jose Ailton Oliveira
JA
Carneiro
José Fernando
JF
Colafêmina
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002150:Caloric Tests / Q000379:methods; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004244:Dizziness / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014717:Vertigo / Q000175:diagnosis*; D055815:Young Adult