Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine the functional, clinical, and comorbid health condition
factors that contribute to balance confidence in persons with balance or
vestibular disorders, or both. DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive. SETTING:
Tertiary care center for balance disorders. PARTICIPANTS: Older adults (N=95)
with signs and symptoms of vestibular dysfunction. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Activity-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) was
administered on examination for complaints of balance, postural instability, or
both. RESULTS: Balance confidence as measured by the ABC was associated with
functional balance performance on the Timed Up & Go test and the Dynamic Gait
Index. Duration of symptoms and general health-related quality of life (as
measured by the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) were
significant covariates of balance confidence. Self-reported treatment for
anxiety, depression, or both, significantly reduced balance confidence.
CONCLUSIONS: Balance confidence is a complex construct in older adults with signs
and symptoms of balance or vestibular dysfunction, or both. Decreased balance
confidence in performing functional activities is associated with actual balance
performance, duration of vestibular symptoms, general health-related quality of
life, and the presence of comorbid psychological and visual impairments.
Understanding these relationships can potentially improve management of older
adults who present with balance or vestibular disease, or both.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS