• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• 제35권5호
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• pp.156-161
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• 2023

Purpose: This study examined the effects of subjective visual vertical perception and head orientation on static balance control. Methods: The subjects were 25 young and healthy adults. The vertical perception was measured using a subjective visual vertical (SVV), and the Center of pressure (COP) parameter was analyzed by continuously measuring the movement of the COP to determine the changes in static postural control. The group was divided based on a deviation of 3° in SVV (11 of SVV≥3°, 14 of SVV<3°) and measured with different head orientations: front, up, down, left, and right in the upright and tandem positions, respectively. Results: In the upright position, the SVV≥3° group had significantly larger values for all COP parameters (Sway length, Surface, Delta X, Delta Y, and Average speed) compared to the SVV<3° group (p<0.05). In the tandem stance, only the Ellipse Surface value was significantly larger among the COP parameters in the group with SVV≥3° compared to the group with SVV<3°(p<0.05). In contrast, the other COP parameters were not significantly different (p>0.05). The effects of static balance control on the head orientation were not statistically significant (p>0.05), and the interactions between the subjective vertical perception and head orientation were not significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that pathological deviations in SVV are associated with impaired static balance performance. This study can provide a therapeutic rationale for using visuospatial cognitive feedback training to improve the static balance.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.152-156
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• 2020

Purpose: The subjective visual vertical (SVV) test is used to evaluate the otolith function in the inner ear. This study compared the different balance ability according to the results of the SVV in healthy adults. Methods: This study recruited 30 normal healthy subjects who did not have neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. The subjects were divided into experimental and control groups based on the results of SVV: experimental group, >2°; control group, <2°. The static balance ability was evaluated using the Fourier Index, which could evaluate the balance capacity objectively and quantitatively. Results: The mean angle of the SVV in the experimental and control groups was 4.44° and 0.59°, respectively. In the result of the Fourier series, the F1 frequency band in the experimental group showed a significantly higher value under one condition compared to the control group (p<0.05). In the F2-4 and F5-6 frequency bands, the experimental group showed a significant increase in the Fourier series value under the four conditions compared to the control group (p<0.05). In the F7-8 frequency band, significantly higher values of the Fourier series were observed in the experimental group under the three different conditions (p<0.05). Conclusion: These results showed increased trunk sway while maintaining static balance in the experimental group who showed a larger SVV angle compared to the control group. The SVV can be applied to evaluate the vestibular system and balance ability in normal adults.

• PNF and Movement
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• 제18권3호
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• pp.383-392
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• 2020

Purpose: Balance and gait dysfunction caused by aging affect elderly individuals' independent life, which, in turn, can reduce their overall quality of life. The purpose of this study is to compare the differences in the vestibular function of healthy elderly and young adults based on the subjective visual vertical (SVV) test as well as to compare and analyze the gait ability between these two groups to study the differences and association between vestibular, dizziness, and balance ability. Methods: The subjects were 18 young and 16 elderly adults with no neurological or musculoskeletal damage. To evaluate vestibular function, a subjective visual vertical test was performed. To evaluate the gait function, the step time, step length, stride length, stance phase ratio, and swing phase ratio were measured. Balance was evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and dizziness was evaluated using a dizziness handicap inventory (DHI). Results: There were significant differences in the SVV, BBS, and DHI between the young and elderly adults (p < 0.05). The gait variables of the older adults were all significantly different (except for the swing phase ratio) than those of the young adults (p < 0.05). As the result of correlation analysis, the SVV values of the young adults showed a significant negative correlation with step length and stride length (p < 0.05), while the SVV values of the elderly adults only showed a significant positive correlation with the DHI (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The elderly appeared to show a decrease in vestibular function when compared to the young adults, and it is thought that walking and balance function declined, while dizziness increased. Moreover, it is believed that these results can be used as basic data for vestibular rehabilitation in the future.