A quantitative analysis of postural control in elderly patients with vestibular disorders using visual stimulation by virtual reality

Abstract Introduction Postural instability is one the most common disabling features in vestibular disorders. Objective This study aimed to analyze the limit of stability and the influence of manipulation of visual, somatosensorial and visual–vestibular information on postural control in older adults with vestibular disorder, with and without a history of falls. Methods Cross-sectional study. Participants – 76 elderly patients with vestibular disorder (G1, without falls; G2, with falls) and 41 healthy elderly subjects (Control Group; CG). Using posturography, analyzed were limit of stability area, body center of pressure, and velocity of oscillation in the standing position in 10 conditions, including open/closed eyes, unstable surface with eyes closed, saccadic and optokinetic stimuli, and visual–vestibular interaction. Results Limit of stability area in CG was better compared with G1-2, and center of pressure values were worse in G1 than in CG. Center of pressure area in all conditions and velocity of oscillation in the following conditions: open/closed eyes, optokinetic stimulation, and visual–vestibular interaction showed worse values in G2 than in CG. Center of pressure area in the following conditions: open/closed eyes, saccadic and optokinetic stimuli, visual–vestibular interaction, and unstable surface with eyes closed showed worse values in G2 than in G1. Conclusion Older adults with vestibular disorder presented reduced limit of stability and increased postural sway in the following conditions: conflict between visual and somatosensory information and visual–vestibular interaction. Deterioration in postural control was significantly associated with history of falls.