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A simple technique to measure body sway in normal subjects and patients with dizziness

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

N. J. Roland ,
C. A. Smith ,
I. W. Miller ,
A. S. Jones  and
T. H. Lesser
N. J. Roland
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Walton Hospital, Liverpool.
C. A. Smith
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Walton Hospital, Liverpool.
I. W. Miller
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Walton Hospital, Liverpool.
A. S. Jones
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Walton Hospital, Liverpool.
T. H. Lesser*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Walton Hospital, Liverpool.
*
Address for correspondence: Mr T. H. Lesser, Consultant Otoneurologist, ENT Department, Walton Hospital, Rice Lane, Liverpool, Merseyside
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Abstract

For many years vestibular testing has relied on measurements of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). More recently quantified assessment of balance, using fixed or moving force platforms and magnetometry have been applied to clinical research. These are objective attempts to quantify the vestibulospinal reflex (VSR). This study evaluates whether SwayWeigh, a simple device which measures lateral body sway, can provide an objective assessment of balance dysfunction. Forty patients with a balance disorder and 31 subjects with normal balance were tested with eyes opened and eyes closed whilst they were standing on a flat surface and then on an air bed. The lateral sway in patients with a balance disorder was compared to that in the normal subjects and highly significant differences (p<0.0001) were observed. The results also confirmed the importance of vision and proprioception in the maintenance of posture.

The Sway Weigh balance platform is a simple and economical device which objectively measures balance dysfunction.

Keywords

DizzinessVestibular function tests
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 109 , Issue 3 , March 1995 , pp. 189 - 192
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1995

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