Relationship between age, the risk of falling and level of confidence in body balance with semicircular canal function

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose to verify the relationship between the risk of falling, the level of confidence in activities involving balance, and age with the values of gain and symmetry of the semicircular canals (SSCs), using the Head Video Impulse Test (vHIT) in patients with peripheral vestibular dysfunction. Methods Cross-sectional study in 12 individuals submitted to functional evaluation using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC Scale) and the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and vestibular evaluation with vHIT. The results were compared using Spearman's Correlation Coefficient. Results There was a predominance of females (75%), with a mean age of 59 years and 8 months. The mean score in DGI was 19.70 points and on the ABC Scale, 43.65%, which is characteristic of a low confidence level. A moderate correlation was observed between age and DGI and between DGI and ABC Scale and SCC gain and symmetry values with vHIT. Conclusion A relationship was observed between a higher risk of falling in patients with vestibular hypofunction and advanced age and between a low level of confidence to perform daily activities due to asymmetrical SCC gain.