1990 Volume 49 Issue Suppl-6 Pages 102-108
A training-rehabilitating system for patients with disequilibrium was worked out, and patients with vestibular disorders were trained with this system.
Training methods : A) Before training, the patients were examined for impairment, disability and handi-cap. Activities of daily living as a parameter of disability were investigated with a questionnaire. The following 10 movements were examined as the equilibrium function test, and those which they had diffi-culty in performing were individually determined : (1) eye movements, (2) head movements, (3) eye-head coordination, (4) body movements, (5) standing, (6) stepping, (7) walking, (8) revolving without any support, (9) walking around a circle, and (10) going up and down stairs or a slope. B) The patients received training to improve the defective movements determined in A). C) The effects of the training were evaluated by stabilometry and the gait test (10m).
Results : Case 1, a 59-year-old female with bilateral vestibular dysfunction complained of dizziness when standing up, disequilibrium while walking and equilibrium disturbance while turning to the right or left. Training comprised standing, stepping, and walking was given. After 3 months of training, her equilibrium and the results of stabilometry and gait tests were improved. Case 2, a 55-year-old female had sudden deafness of the right ear and vertigo. Six months after training, she regained equilibrium function. Case 3, a 76-year-old female with bilateral vestibular dysfunctions. When training was discontinued, her disequilibrium worsened. Three months after the resumption of training, the results of stabilometry tests were improved.
