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Citation |
Macias JD, Massingale S, Gerkin RD. Otolaryngol. Head Neck Surg. 2005; 133(3): 323-325. |
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Affiliation |
Macias Otology, Phoenix, Arizona, USA. jdmacias@earthlink.net |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2005, American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Publisher SAGE Publishing) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
16143174 |
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Abstract |
OBJECTIVE: To assess the short-term effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation therapy in reducing fall risk in an at-risk population. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective chart review of 70 patients older than 50 years of age at risk for falls treated at a tertiary vestibular therapy center. Fall risk was assessed by the Berg balance test. RESULTS: Vestibular rehabilitation therapy resulted in a statistically significant improvement in Berg balance test scores (pretherapy, 36.8, to posttherapy, 46.4). Referring diagnosis, age, and gender had no impact on outcome. CONCLUSION: Vestibular rehabilitation therapy significantly reduces the risk of falls in elderly at-risk patients with improvement measured at the termination of therapy. SIGNIFICANCE: Vestibular rehabilitation therapy plays an important preventive role in reducing falls in at-risk elderly patients, with beneficial effects seen at termination of therapy. |