EFFECT OF VESTIBULAR EXERCISES AND MULTIFUNCTIONAL TRAINING ON BODY BALANCE AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN ELDERLY PEOPLE WITH HYPOFUNCTION

Abstract

The perception of movement is captured and processed by proprioceptive mechanisms and the vestibular system. When one of the sensory sources is insufficient, the nervous system adjusts the main source of sensory capture. Peripheral vestibular hypofunction, common in the elderly, can lead to vertigo and instability. Multifunctional training (MTT) can potentially improve vestibular function and quality of life in the elderly. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of vestibular adaptation exercises combined with multifunctional training (MTT) exercises on body balance and quality of life in elderly people with peripheral vestibular hypofunction. A prospective observational cohort study was conducted with elderly people diagnosed with unilateral vestibular hypofunction, identified by nystagmus and/or the head impulse test. The participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 (gaze stability exercises - GSE) and Group 2 (GSE combined with TMS). Both groups were assessed weekly for 30 days using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to measure dizziness intensity, the Mini-BESTest to assess balance, the Computerized Dynamic Visual Acuity (CDVA) test and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) questionnaire to determine quality of life. Comparative analyses between the groups were carried out using the paired t-test for quantitative characteristics and chi-square or Wilcoxon tests for qualitative characteristics. There was a significant reduction from 5.07 to 1.13 in the VAS, indicating an improvement in dizziness symptoms. The head impulse test showed improvement in some directions, but no significant difference between EEO and ETM in the variables assessed. The DHI also showed a significant reduction in scores, from 45.50 to 12.00, indicating an overall improvement in symptoms. Despite this, the limited number of participants compromised the ability to generalize the results and identify the effects of the training separately.