Fisioterapia vestibular na síndrome de Arnold-Chiari com uso da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF): relato de caso / Vestibular physiotherapy in Arnold-Chiari syndrome using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF): case report

Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos de um protocolo de Fisioterapia Vestibular (FV), baseado no modelo da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF) em um paciente com sequelas da síndrome de Arnold-Chiari do tipo I nas queixas de tontura, alterações oculomotoras, desequilíbrio e impacto da tontura na qualidade de vida. Método: Trata-se da descrição do caso de um paciente de 40 anos que realizou um protocolo de FV em 44 sessões, uma a duas vezes por semana, envolvendo exercícios de estabilização do olhar, oculomotores, habituação, equilíbrio estático e dinâmico, tanto em ambiente clínico presencial, quanto remoto e domiciliar. Foram realizadas avaliações da intensidade da tontura e desequilíbrio, do sistema oculomotor, do equilíbrio estático e dinâmico, bem como da qualidade de vida. As informações coletadas na avaliação inicial foram convertidas para os domínios da CIF. Resultados: Houve redução no relato da intensidade da tontura e desequilíbrio, na distância do ponto próximo de convergência, melhora no equilíbrio postural estático e início da prática de atividade física regular, porém manteve o risco de queda no teste de equilíbrio dinâmico e deficiência grave quanto à qualidade de vida. Conclusão: O protocolo de FV, planejado a partir do uso da CIF, mostrou resultados positivos quanto à intensidade da queixa de tontura e desequilíbrio, convergência ocular e equilíbrio estático, com manutenção dos resultados quanto ao equilíbrio dinâmico e à qualidade de vida em um paciente com sequelas da síndrome de Arnold-Chiari. Os resultados deste estudo podem direcionar a conduta clínica e pesquisas futuras relacionadas a esta população

Objective: To investigate the effects of a Vestibular Physiotherapy (VP) protocol, according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model, in a patient with Arnold-Chiari syndrome type I sequelae on complaints of dizziness, oculomotor disorders, imbalance and the impact of dizziness on quality of life. Method: This is the case description of a 40-year-old patient who underwent a VP protocol into 44 sessions, up to twice a week. The protocol involved eye stabilization, oculomotor, habituation, static and dynamic balance exercises, which were performed through face-to-face clinical setting, remote assistance and home-based exercises. Assessments of the intensity of dizziness and imbalance, oculomotor system, static and dynamic balance and the impact of dizziness on quality of life were performed. The information collected in the initial assessment was converted into the ICF domains. Results: There was a reduction in the report of the intensity of dizziness and imbalance, in the distance from the near point of convergence, improvement in static postural balance, and started the practice of physical activities. However, the risk of falling was maintained in the dynamic balance test and also severe impairment on quality of life. Conclusions: The VP protocol, planned according to ICF, demonstrated positive results regarding the intensity of dizziness and imbalance, ocular convergence and static balance, with maintenance of the results regarding dynamic balance and quality of life in a patient with sequelae of Arnold-Chiari syndrome. The results of this study may guide clinical management and future research related to this population

Diagnostic Accuracy of the Short Physical Performance Battery in Detecting Frailty and Prefrailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Results From the PRO-EVA Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is widely used for older adults since it has a high level of validity, reliability, and responsiveness in measuring function in this population. However, only a few studies of diagnostic accuracy have assessed SPPB capacity in detecting frailty and prefrailty by estimating more detailed measurement properties. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the SPPB's diagnostic accuracy in detecting frailty and prefrailty, in addition to identifying cut-off points for walking time and chair stand time. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study composed of 786 community-dwelling older adults 60 years or older, in which sociodemographic and anthropometric data, frailty phenotype, and total SPPB score, as well as walking time and chair stand time, were assessed. Analysis of a receiver operating characteristic curve was performed to identify the cut-off point, sensitivity, and specificity in the total SPPB score, as well as the walking time and chair stand time for frailty and prefrailty screening. Accuracy and positive and negative predictive values were subsequently calculated. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The cut-off points identified for the total SPPB score, walking time, and chair stand time were 9 points or less (accuracy of 72.6%), 5 seconds or less, and 13 seconds or less, respectively, for frailty screening and 11 points or less (accuracy of 58.7%), 4 seconds or less, and 10 seconds or less, respectively, for prefrailty screening. The walking time showed greater frailty discriminatory capacity compared with the chair stand time (effect size = 1.24 vs 0.64; sensitivity = 69% vs 59%; and specificity = 84% vs 75%). CONCLUSIONS: The total SPPB score has good diagnostic accuracy to discriminate between nonfrail and frail older adults using a cut-off point of 9 or less, being better to identify the true negatives (older adults who are not frail). Although the SPPB's diagnostic accuracy measures for detecting prefrailty were low to moderate, this instrument can help in screening prefrail older adults from the cutoff point of 11 or less in the total SPPB score. Identification of prefrail older adults enables implementing early treatment in this target audience and can prevent their advance to frailty.

Otoneurological assessment and quality of life of individuals with complaints of dizziness and temporomandibular disorders: a case-control study

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the impact of temporomandibular disorders on the quality of life of patients with dizziness. Methods: An observational, case-control study evaluated 60 individuals with dizziness (20 cases and 40 controls), who were matched for gender and age. The individuals underwent to anamnesis, overall physical and otoneurological examination, tonal and vocal audiometry and impedanciometry, video head impulse test and the dizziness handicap inventory questionnaire. Results: The otoscopy was normal for all patients. There was an association between the presence of temporomandibular disorders and aural fullness (p<0.01) and otalgia (p<0.01). Audiometry was normal in 90% of the patients in the case group, with a significant association between temporomandibular disorders and normal audiometry (p<0.01). The video head impulse test findings were normal in 66% of the patients in the case group and 45% of the control group, and there was no association between having temporomandibular disorders and vestibular alterations at the video head impulse test (p = 0.12). There were significant differences in total dizziness handicap inventory and in the functional and emotional domains (p<0.01), with higher scores in the control group. Conclusion: Aural fullness and otalgia symptoms are associated with temporomandibular disorders in patients with dizziness, and there is an association between normal complementary audiological tests and temporomandibular disorders. Vestibular alterations are not associated with temporomandibular disorders. However, patients with dizziness and without temporomandibular disorders showed greater quality of life impairment. Level of evidence: 3. Original case-control study.

Otoneurological assessment and quality of life of individuals with complaints of dizziness and temporomandibular disorders: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of temporomandibular disorders on the quality of life of patients with dizziness. METHODS: An observational, case-control study evaluated 60 individuals with dizziness (20 cases and 40 controls), who were matched for gender and age. The individuals underwent to anamnesis, overall physical and otoneurological examination, tonal and vocal audiometry and impedanciometry, video head impulse test and the dizziness handicap inventory questionnaire. RESULTS: The otoscopy was normal for all patients. There was an association between the presence of temporomandibular disorders and aural fullness (p < 0.01) and otalgia (p < 0.01). Audiometry was normal in 90% of the patients in the case group, with a significant association between temporomandibular disorders and normal audiometry (p < 0.01). The video head impulse test findings were normal in 66% of the patients in the case group and 45% of the control group, and there was no association between having temporomandibular disorders and vestibular alterations at the video head impulse test (p = 0.12). There were significant differences in total dizziness handicap inventory and in the functional and emotional domains (p < 0.01), with higher scores in the control group. CONCLUSION: Aural fullness and otalgia symptoms are associated with temporomandibular disorders in patients with dizziness, and there is an association between normal complementary audiological tests and temporomandibular disorders. Vestibular alterations are not associated with temporomandibular disorders. However, patients with dizziness and without temporomandibular disorders showed greater quality of life impairment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3: Original case-control study.

Relationship between vestibular dysfunction and quality of life in climacteric women.

The hormonal changes in climacteric women may affect the vestibular system; however, it is not clear in the literature whether the presence of vestibular dysfunction associated with climacteric is related to poorer quality of life. The study sample was composed of 374 women (40-65 years). Socioeconomic and demographic data, menopausal status, practice of physical exercises, presence or absence of vestibular dysfunction, hypertension and diabetes, anthropometric measurements and quality of life (using the Utian Quality of Life Scale - UQoL) were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using the Pearson test, Anova, T-test, and multiple regression considering a significance level of 5%. A significant relationship was found between vestibular dysfunction and health (p = 0.02) and emotional (p = 0.01) domains of the UQoL. In addition, physical activity, menopausal status, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), household income and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) mean also remained significantly related to quality of life. A relationship between vestibular dysfunction and quality of life for health and emotional domains in climacteric women was observed.

Relationship between vestibular dysfunction and quality of life in climacteric women / Relação entre disfunção vestibular e qualidade de vida em mulheres climatéricas

Abstract The hormonal changes in climacteric women may affect the vestibular system; however, it is not clear in the literature whether the presence of vestibular dysfunction associated with climacteric is related to poorer quality of life. The study sample was composed of 374 women (40-65 years). Socioeconomic and demographic data, menopausal status, practice of physical exercises, presence or absence of vestibular dysfunction, hypertension and diabetes, anthropometric measurements and quality of life (using the Utian Quality of Life Scale - UQoL) were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using the Pearson test, Anova, T-test, and multiple regression considering a significance level of 5%. A significant relationship was found between vestibular dysfunction and health (p = 0.02) and emotional (p = 0.01) domains of the UQoL. In addition, physical activity, menopausal status, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), household income and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) mean also remained significantly related to quality of life. A relationship between vestibular dysfunction and quality of life for health and emotional domains in climacteric women was observed.

Resumo Mudanças hormonais em mulheres climatéricas podem afetar o sistema vestibular, porém, não está claro na literatura se a presença da disfunção vestibular associada ao climatério está relacionada à pior qualidade de vida. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a relação entre disfunção vestibular e qualidade de vida em mulheres climatéricas. Amostra composta por 374 mulheres (40 a 65 anos). Foram coletados dados socioeconômicos e demográficos, status menopausal, prática de exercício físico, presença ou ausência de disfunção vestibular, hipertensão e diabetes, medidas antropométricas e qualidade de vida (por meio do Utian Quality of Life Scale - UQoL). Na análise estatística foi utilizado teste de Pearson, Anova, teste t e regressão múltipla, considerando nível de significância de 5%. Verificou-se relação significativa entre a disfunção vestibular e os domínios saúde (p = 0,02) e emocional (p = 0,01) do UQoL. Além disso, atividade física, status menopausal, IMC (índice de massa corporal), RCQ (relação cintura-quadril), renda familiar e média da PAD (pressão arterial diastólica) também permaneceram significantemente relacionadas à qualidade de vida. Observou-se relação entre disfunção vestibular e qualidade de vida para os domínios saúde e emocional em mulheres climatéricas.

Effects of Load Addition During Gait Training on Weight-Bearing and Temporal Asymmetry After Stroke: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of adding load to restrain the nonparetic lower limb during gait training on weight-bearing and temporal asymmetry after stroke. DESIGN: Thirty-eight subjects were randomized into treadmill training with load (5% of body weight) on the nonparetic limb (experimental group) and treadmill training without load (control group). Interventions lasted 30 mins/d for 2 wks (9 sessions). Both groups performed home-based exercises and were instructed to increase the use of paretic limb in daily life situations. Ground reaction force was obtained by a force plate during standing position (static) and gait (dynamic). Temporal gait parameters were assessed by a motion system analysis. Outcome measures were evaluated at baseline, posttraining, and after a 40-day follow-up. RESULTS: The experimental group increased static ground reaction force of the paretic limb at posttraining (P = 0.037) and the control group increased dynamic ground reaction force of the paretic limb at posttraining (P = 0.021), both with maintenance at follow-up. Neither group showed a change in the swing time symmetry ratio after training (P = 0.190). CONCLUSIONS: Treadmill training associated with behavioral strategies/home-based exercises seemed to be useful to minimize weight-bearing asymmetry, but not to improve temporal gait asymmetry. Load addition did not show additional benefits.

Recurrent falls and risk factors among institutionalized older people. / Quedas recorrentes e fatores de risco em idosos institucionalizados.

Recurrent falls constitute a high risk for morbidity and mortality among older people, especially institutionalized individuals, due to greater frailty and functional decline in this group. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with recurrent falls among institutionalized older persons. A longitudinal cohort study was conducted over a one-year period with a study sample consisting of individuals aged 60 years and over living in 10 Nursing homes (NH) who were able to walk and had preserved cognitive ability. The older persons and carers were asked about the occurrence of falls over the last twelve months. The older persons were considered recurrent fallers if they had had two or more falls during this period. Institutional, sociodemographic and health data was also collected using questionnaires and the residents' medical records. One hundred and thirty individuals were included in the sample out of a total of 364 older people living in the NH. The incidence of recurrent falls was 26.9% (CI95% = 22.4 - 31.5). The results of the chi-square test and logistic regression adopting a significance level of 0.05 showed that fatigue was a risk factor for recurrent falls(p = 0.001; RR = 2.9) and that the use of beta blockers was a protective factor (p = 0.010; RR = 0.1). It was concluded that recurrent falls are common in NH and that fatigue constitutes an important risk factor.

Queda recorrente representa alto risco de morbidade e mortalidade em idosos, principalmente institucionalizados, dado ao seu quadro de fragilidade e declínio funcional evidentes. O objetivo deste estudo é determinar a incidência e os fatores de risco relacionados a quedas recorrentes em idosos institucionalizados. Estudo longitudinal tipo coorte no período de um ano. Foram avaliados indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais residentes em 10 Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos, que deambulassem e possuíssem capacidade cognitiva preservada. Foi questionada a ocorrência de quedas nos últimos doze meses, considerando recorrentes a ocorrência de dois ou mais episódios neste período. Foram ainda coletadas variáveis referentes à instituição, condições sócio demográficas e de saúde do idoso através de questionários. Do total de 364 idosos, 130 foram incluídos. A incidência de quedas recorrentes foi de 26.9% (IC 95% = 22.4 ­ 31.5). A partir do Qui-quadrado e Regressão Logística, considerando o nível de significância de 5%, foi encontrada fadiga como fator de risco (p = 0.001; RR = 2.9) e uso de betabloqueadores como fator de proteção (p = 0.010; RR = 0.1). Conclui-se que queda recorrente é comum nas Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos e a fadiga representa fator de risco.

Quedas recorrentes e fatores de risco em idosos institucionalizados / Recurrent falls and risk factors among institutionalized older people

Resumo Queda recorrente representa alto risco de morbidade e mortalidade em idosos, principalmente institucionalizados, dado ao seu quadro de fragilidade e declínio funcional evidentes. O objetivo deste estudo é determinar a incidência e os fatores de risco relacionados a quedas recorrentes em idosos institucionalizados. Estudo longitudinal tipo coorte no período de um ano. Foram avaliados indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais residentes em 10 Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos, que deambulassem e possuíssem capacidade cognitiva preservada. Foi questionada a ocorrência de quedas nos últimos doze meses, considerando recorrentes a ocorrência de dois ou mais episódios neste período. Foram ainda coletadas variáveis referentes à instituição, condições sócio demográficas e de saúde do idoso através de questionários. Do total de 364 idosos, 130 foram incluídos. A incidência de quedas recorrentes foi de 26.9% (IC 95% = 22.4 - 31.5). A partir do Qui-quadrado e Regressão Logística, considerando o nível de significância de 5%, foi encontrada fadiga como fator de risco (p = 0.001; RR = 2.9) e uso de betabloqueadores como fator de proteção (p = 0.010; RR = 0.1). Conclui-se que queda recorrente é comum nas Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos e a fadiga representa fator de risco.

Abstract Recurrent falls constitute a high risk for morbidity and mortality among older people, especially institutionalized individuals, due to greater frailty and functional decline in this group. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with recurrent falls among institutionalized older persons. A longitudinal cohort study was conducted over a one-year period with a study sample consisting of individuals aged 60 years and over living in 10 Nursing homes (NH) who were able to walk and had preserved cognitive ability. The older persons and carers were asked about the occurrence of falls over the last twelve months. The older persons were considered recurrent fallers if they had had two or more falls during this period. Institutional, sociodemographic and health data was also collected using questionnaires and the residents' medical records. One hundred and thirty individuals were included in the sample out of a total of 364 older people living in the NH. The incidence of recurrent falls was 26.9% (CI95% = 22.4 - 31.5). The results of the chi-square test and logistic regression adopting a significance level of 0.05 showed that fatigue was a risk factor for recurrent falls(p = 0.001; RR = 2.9) and that the use of beta blockers was a protective factor (p = 0.010; RR = 0.1). It was concluded that recurrent falls are common in NH and that fatigue constitutes an important risk factor.

Quality of life in the institutionalized elderly with dizziness complaint: a cross-sectional study / Qualidade de vida em idosos institucionalizados com queixa de tontura: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Purpose: to evaluate the quality of life in institutionalized elderly people with dizziness complaint and to relate the results to the characteristics of dizziness and functional capacity. Methods: in this cross-sectional study, one-hundred and nineteen elderly residents in three geriatric long-term care institutions in Natal city, Brazil, were evaluated. Those who had presented dizziness in the former year (30/25.2%) were included in this study. The quality of life was measured by the Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Functional capacity was measured by the Berg Balance Scale, the Functional Reach Test, the Unipedal Stance Test with eyes open and closed, and the Falls Efficacy Scale - International. Results: associations were found between physical, functional and emotional aspects and the duration of dizziness (p=0.002, p=0.041 and p=0.004, respectively); the functional aspects with age (p=0.031), the physical aspects with the presence of falls in the previous year (p=0.039); and the physical, functional and emotional aspects of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory with fear of falling (p=0.004, p<0.001 and p=0.016, respectively). Conclusion: institutionalized elderly with dizziness complaints had a low perception of quality of life, and the duration of dizziness, age, falls and fear of falling negatively influenced their quality of life.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a qualidade de vida em idosos institucionalizados com queixa de tontura e relacionar esses resultados às características da tontura e sua capacidade funcional. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo transversal analítico. Cento e dezenove idosos residentes em três instituições de longa permanência na cidade de Natal (Brasil) foram avaliados e aqueles que relataram tontura no último ano (30/25.2%) foram incluídos nesse estudo. A qualidade de vida foi avaliada pelo Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Já a capacidade funcional foi mensurada pela Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg, do Teste de Alcance Funcional, do Apoio Unipodal com olhos abertos e fechados e da Falls Efficacy Scale - International. Resultados: associações foram encontradas entre os aspectos físico, funcional e emocional e a duração da tontura (p=0,002, p=0,041 e p=0,004, respectivamente), os aspectos funcionais com a idade (p=0,031), os aspectos físicos com a presença de quedas no ultimo ano (p=0,039) e os aspectos físicos, funcionais e emocionais do Dizziness Handicap Inventory com o medo de cair (p=0,004, p<0,001 e p=0,016, respectivamente). Conclusão: idosos institucionalizados com queixa de tontura apresentam baixa percepção da qualidade de vida, sendo a idade, o tempo de duração da tontura, a presença de quedas e o medo de cair fatores importantes nesta percepção negativa.

Associação entre medicamentos de uso contínuo e tontura em idosos institucionalizados / Association between continuous use drugs and dizziness in institutionalized elderly people

RESUMO Objetivo: associar medicamentos de uso contínuo com a presença de tontura em idosos institucionalizados. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado em 10 Instituições de longa permanência para idosos. Foram incluídos todos os idosos a partir de 60 anos que fossem capazes de deambular e que apresentassem bom nível cognitivo. Foram coletadas as medicações de uso contínuo e dados referentes à Instituição. Ao idoso, foi questionado se apresentou tontura no último ano. Para análise estatística, utilizou-se os testes do Qui-quadrado e Exato de Fisher para análise bivariada e regressão logística para análise múltipla stepwise forward, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: dos 92 idosos avaliados, 35 afirmaram terem apresentado tontura nos últimos 12 meses (23,8%). Foram associados à tontura os antiepilépticos (p=0,034, RR= 2,26, IC95% 1,06-4,78), anti-trombóticos (p=0,008, RR= 0,21, IC95% 0,07-0,67) e diuréticos (p=0,024, RR= 2,29, IC95% 1,11-4,70), ajustados pelos psicolépticos. Conclusão: a tontura nos idosos institucionalizados esteve associada ao uso crônico de anti-epilépticos e diuréticos.

ABSTRACT Purpose: to associate continuous use drugs with the presence of dizziness in institutionalized elderly people. Methods: a cross-sectional study performed in 10 nursing homes. People aged 60 years or older, able to walk and who presented good cognitive level were included in this study. Data on medications for continuous treatment and data referring to the Institution were collected. The elderly were asked if they had experienced dizziness in the previous year. The Chi-squared and Fisher exact tests were used for bivariate analysis and stepwise forward logistic regression to perform multiple analysis, with a significance level of 5%. Results: out of 92 elderly, 35 reported dizziness in the previous year (23.8%). The anti-epileptics (p=0.034, RR=2.26, CI95% 1.06-4.78), antithrombotics (p=0.008, RR=0.21, CI95% 0.07-0.67) and diuretics (p=0.024, RR=2.29, CI95% 1.11-4.70) were associated to dizziness, adjusted by psycholeptics. Conclusion: dizziness in these institutionalized elderly people was associated with the chronic use of anti-epileptics and diuretic drugs.

Effects of balance Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy in elderly with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate short-term effects of balance Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) on balance, dizziness symptoms and quality of life of the elderly with chronic Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). METHOD: In this randomized, single-blind and controlled trial, older adults with chronic BPPV were randomized into two groups, the experimental group (n = 7, age: 69 (65-78) years) and the control group (n = 7, age: 73 (65-76) years). Patients in the experimental group underwent balance VRT (50 min per session, two times a week) and Canalith Repositioning Maneuver (CRM) as required, for 13 weeks. The control group was treated using only CRM as required. Standing and dynamic balance, dizziness symptoms and quality of life were measured at the baseline, and at one, five, nine and thirteen weeks. RESULTS: There were no between-group differences in dizziness, quality of life and standing balance over the 13 weeks. Significant differences were observed in dynamic balance measures between groups (p <  0.05 for most tests) through assessments. In intragroup analysis, both groups showed improvements in all measurements except no improvement was found in majority of the dynamic balance tests in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The patients who received additional balance VRT demonstrated better results in dynamic balance than those who received only CRM. Implications for Rehabilitation The findings that balance VRT in addition to CRM improves dynamic balance in elderly people with BPPV should be useful in guiding rehabilitation professionals' clinical decision making to design interventions for seniors suffering from BPPV; Improvements in tests of dynamic balance suggest that the risk of adverse consequences of BPPV in the elderly such as falls and fractures can be potentially reduced through implementation of CRM in conjunction with balance VRT; Lack of additional improvement in Visual Analogue Scale of dizziness and Dizziness Handicap Index suggests that addition of balance VRT does not influence dizziness symptomatology, per se, and CRM alone is effective to ameliorate vertiginous symptoms and potentially improve quality of life.

Prevalência de vestibulopatia em idosos institucionalizados de Natal - RN - Brasil / Prevalence of vestibulopathy in institutionalized elderly persons in Natal-RN-Brazil

Resumo:OBJETIVO:aferir a prevalência de vestibulopatia e seus fatores associadosem idosos institucionalizados por meio do exame clínico de cabeceira.MÉTODOS:trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado nas 12 Instituições de longa permanência para idosos de Natal-Brasil, regulamentadas pela Vigilância Sanitária. Foram eleitos os idosos com bom nível cognitivo e capazes de deambular, totalizando 115 indivíduos. Os idosos foram questionados sobre a presença de tontura no último ano, e quando a resposta era positiva, eram submetidos a questionário e exame físico específico para diagnóstico de vestibulopatia, segundo o protocolo de Johnson e Lalwani (2004). Para a análise estatística, utilizou-se o teste do Qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher para um nível de significância de 5% e cálculo da razão de prevalência.RESULTADOS:a prevalência de vestibulopatia foi de 10,56%e foram associados a osteoartrose e o etilismo.CONCLUSÃO:a vestibulopatia apresenta baixa prevalência nos idosos institucionalizados de Natal-Brasil.

Abstract:PURPOSE:to assess the prevalence of vestibulopathy and associated factors in institutionalized elderly persons through bedside clinical examination.METHODS:a cross-sectional study was performed in 12 Nursing Homes in Natal, Brazil, regulated by the Health Surveillance Department. Elderly persons who possessed a good cognitive level and were able to walk were selected, resulting in a total sample of 115 persons. They were asked whether they had experienced dizziness in the past year, and when the answer was positive, responded to a questionnaire and underwent physical examinations for the diagnosis of vestibulopathy, in accordance with the protocol established by Johnson and Lalwani (2004). The Chi-squared or Fisher's Exact tests were used for statistical analysis, with a significance level of 5%, and the Prevalence Ratio was calculated.RESULTS:the prevalence of vestibulopathy was 10.56%, and the condition was associated with osteoarthritis and alcohol consumption.CONCLUSION:there is a low prevalence of vestibulopathy among institutionalized elderly persons in Natal, Brazil.

Influência do tratamento por realidade virtual no equilíbrio de um paciente com paralisia cerebral / Influence of virtual reality treatment for balance in a patient with cerebral palsy

A melhora da capacidade de manutenção do equilíbrio é essencial para quem apresenta algum comprometimento motor, como a Paralisia Cerebral (PC). A realidade virtual (RV) já se destaca na reabilitação neurológica, porém com poucos estudos que abordem pacientes adultos com PC. Este estudo teve comoobjetivo investigar a influência da RV por meio de jogos de vídeo Wii no equilíbrio em posição ortostática de um paciente com PC Espástica Hemiparética. Foi utilizado o equipamento Nintendo® Wii, com o jogo Wii Fit Plus, em treinamentos que estimularam o equilíbrio látero-lateral e ântero-posterior do paciente. Osinstrumentos aplicados foram: Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg, Medida de Independência Funcional, além de 3 testes do Neurocom Balance Master: Limits of Stability, Tandem Walk e Step/Quick Turn. O protocolo de tratamento consistiu de 10 sessões, 30 minutos cada, duas vezes por semana por 38 dias. Ao final foi possível observar um aumento expressivo na pontuação de vários itens dos testesrealizados, implicando na melhora da capacidade de equilíbrio do paciente. Esses resultados sugerem a influência benéfica do Wii no que concerne o equilíbrio e capacidade funcional do portador de PC, tornando-o mais confiante para realizar suas atividades diárias.

The improvement of maintaining postural balances its essential i for those who have some motor impairment, such as Cerebral Palsy (CP). Virtual Reality (VR) is a feature that is standing out in neurological rehabilitation, but there are few studies regarding adult patients with CP. This study aimed to investigatethe infl uence of the VR through the Wii on balance in standing position from a patient with Spastic Hemiplegic CP. It was used the equipment Nintendo® Wii, with the game Wii Fit Plus, where the training chosen stimulated the latero-lateral and anterior-posterior patient’s balance. The instruments used were: Berg Balance Scale, Functional Independence Measure, and 3 Neurocom Balance Master Systems tests: Limits of Stability, Tandem Walk and Step/Quick Turn. The treatment protocol consisted of 10 sessions, with30 minutes each, performed twice a week for 38 days. At the end oftreatment, a significant increase in the scores of various test items performed was observed, which resulted in an improvement of patient’s balance. Results suggest a beneficial influence of the video game Wii regarding to postural balance and functional capacity of patients with PC, which become more confident to carry out their activities of daily living.