The importance of computerized dynamic posturography in vestibular rehabilitation of patients with unilateral peripheral vestibular deficiency

OBJECTIVE. To evaluate the importance of computerized dynamic posturography in vestibular rehabilitation of patients with unilateral peripheral vestibular deficiency syndrome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS. The study was conducted on a group of 30 patients (33-78 years; mean age (± SD) = 55.8 ± 12.12) diagnosed with unilateral peripheral vestibular deficiency syndrome, which benefited from VR on a posturography platform. Assessment of the patients was made using the Sensory Organization Test before and after eight sessions of rehabilitation. We analyzed the results obtained with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) on static and foam platform. The following variables were evaluated: Romberg coefficient, statokinesigram (SKG), maximum amplitude of the degree of deviation in anterior/posterior and medial/lateral planes, SKG and the time interval of the game rehabilitation program.

RESULTS. The statistical analysis of the data revealed a strong correlation (p<0.05) for the studied parameters, especially when the test was performed with the eyes closed on foam platform. The analysis of the Romberg coefficient did not show statistically significant results (p>0.05) and the measured values were outside the range of normality even at the end of the rehabilitation program. SKG and the time interval reference of the game showed significant improvement of the parameters (p<0.05); at the end of the rehabilitation sessions, 93.33% of the patients showed full recovery of their deficit.

CONCLUSION. Computerized dynamic posturography has a particularly important role in the evaluation, monitoring and rehabilitation of the patients with peripheral vestibular deficiency.