title: Effects of physiotherapy on balance and unilateral vestibular hypofunction in vertiginous elderly.
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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The proposed protocol has contributed to an improvement in balance and vestibular dysfunction of the aged.
authors.affiliation: Faculdades Adamantinenses Integradas, Via de Acesso Francisco Bellusci, 1000, Adamantina, SP 17800-000, Brazil. prochajr@terra.com.br.
authors.forename: Paulo Roberto
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Rocha Júnior
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: da Silva Peres
authors.forename: Fernando Pereira
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Garbi
authors.forename: Ana Cf
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Frizzo
authors.forename: Vitor E
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Valenti