Effects of vestibular rehabilitation in the elderly: a systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Aging is characterized by gradual physiological changes in body systems. Changes in the vestibular system can occur and cause dizziness, vertigo and imbalance, symptoms that are common in the elderly. Vestibular rehabilitation is a therapeutic resource that has been widely used to improve this condition.


OBJECTIVE
To complete a systematic review of the effects of vestibular rehabilitation on the elderly.


METHODS
A search for relevant publications was conducted in SCIELO, PUBMED, MEDLINE, COCHRANE and LILACS databases. Clinical trials and cohort studies that were written in the English language and published over the course of the last 10 years were selected. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. A critical analysis of the studies was composed.


RESULTS
Eight studies that involved subjects who were over the age of 60 were selected for inclusion in the systematic review. The most common vestibular dysfunction identified was complaints about dizziness and imbalance. The Dizziness Handicap Inventory was the most frequently used assessment instrument, and the treatment protocol that prevailed was that suggested by Cawthorne and Cooksey.


CONCLUSIONS
The PEDro scale showed that only one article was of an acceptable methodological quality and presented satisfactory outcome measures. This was due, in part, to a lack of a hidden randomization, masking of the subject, evaluators and therapists, and lack of outcome measures, which can reduce the quality of the evidence presented in this study.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical trials indicate that vestibular rehabilitation represents an effective means of treating elderly patients with vestibular disorders; however, evidence of its effectiveness remains lacking.
Brain Mapping and Functionality Laboratory (LAMCEF/UFPI), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI, Brazil. diandra_martins@yahoo.com.br.|Masters Program in Biomedical Science at Federal University of Piaui/Pi, Teresina, Brazil. diandra_martins@yahoo.com.br.
Diandra Caroline
DC
Martins E Silva
Brain Mapping and Functionality Laboratory (LAMCEF/UFPI), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI, Brazil.|Masters Program in Biomedical Science at Federal University of Piaui/Pi, Teresina, Brazil.|Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration, Institute of Psychiatry of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Victor Hugo
VH
Bastos
School of Science and Technology of Maranhão, Maranhão, MA, Brazil.
Mariana
M
de Oliveira Sanchez
Brain Mapping and Functionality Laboratory (LAMCEF/UFPI), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI, Brazil.|Masters Program in Biomedical Science at Federal University of Piaui/Pi, Teresina, Brazil.
Monara Kedma Gomes
MK
Nunes
Masters Program in Science Rehabilitation, UNISUAM, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Marco
M
Orsini
Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration, Institute of Psychiatry of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.|School of Physical Education, Bioscience Department (EEFD/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Pedro
P
Ribeiro
Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration, Institute of Psychiatry of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.|Institute of Applied Neuroscience (INA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Bruna
B
Velasques
Masters Program in Biomedical Science at Federal University of Piaui/Pi, Teresina, Brazil.|Brain Mapping and Plasticity Laboratory (LAMPLACE/UFPI), Federal University of Piauí, Parnaíba, Brazil.|Masters Program in Biotechnology at Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI, Brazil.
Silmar Silva
SS
Teixeira
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D004244:Dizziness / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D014717:Vertigo / Q000534:rehabilitation; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*
Dizziness; Elderly; Rehabilitation; The vestibular system