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Objective measurement of the benefit of walking sticks in peripheral vestibular balance disorders, using the Sway Weigh balance platform

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

V. Nandapalan ,
C. A. Smith ,
A. S. Jones  and
T. H. J. Lesser
V. Nandapalan
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Royal Liverpool University Hospital
C. A. Smith
Affiliation:
Department of Audiology, Walton Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
A. S. Jones
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Royal Liverpool University Hospital
T. H. J. Lesser*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Walton Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
*
Mr T. H. J. Lesser, Consultant Oto-neurologist, Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Nexk Surgery, Rice Lane, Liverpool L9 1AE.
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Abstract

Following a lesion in the vestibylar system visual, proprioceptive and residual vestibular information is integrated by the brain, to enable a patient ot attain equilibrium. The basis of vestibular rehabilitation is to encourage these adaptive and compensatory mechanisms. Another form of rehabilitation is to provide some form of mechanical aid, and walking sticks are often used for this purpose in patients with balance disorders.

There are no reported studies objectively assessing the use of walking sticks in patients with balance disorders. In this study we used the Sway Weigh balance patform (Raymar) to determine the efficacy of a walking stick in 25 patients with peripheral vistibular balance disorders. Patience were tested with their eyes opened and eyes closed whilst they were standing on a flat surface and on an air-filled bed (to alter limb proprioeption) on the Sway Weigh balance platform. All the tests were carried out with, and without, a walking stick. The results demonstrate that a walking stick significantly reduces lateral body sway in patients with peripheral vestibular balance disorders.

Keywords

CanesVestibular diseases peripheralVestibular function tests
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 109 , Issue 9 , September 1995 , pp. 836 - 840
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1995

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