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Longitudinal posturography and rotational testing in children three to nine years of age: normative data
Margaretha L Casselbrant1, Ellen M Mandel, Patrick J Sparto
1Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA.
Insights
This study provides normative data on balance and the vestibulo-ocular reflex in children aged 3-9 years. Findings show improvements in balance and reflex gain as children mature.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Vestibular System Function
- Child Development
Background:
- The vestibular system is crucial for balance and spatial orientation.
- Normative data for pediatric vestibular and balance function are limited.
- Understanding typical development is essential for identifying atypical function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normative longitudinal data for vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and balance tests in children aged 3-9 years.
- To provide reference values for children with normal middle ear status.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, longitudinal cohort study conducted at a tertiary care pediatric hospital.
- 127 children aged 3-9 years with normal middle ear status were tested annually.
- Tests included earth vertical axis rotation (sinusoidal and constant velocity stimuli) and the Sensory Organization Test (SOT).
Main Results:
- A linear increase in vestibulo-ocular reflex gain was observed with age, while phase remained constant.
- Equilibrium scores showed a significant age-related linear increase, indicating reduced postural sway.
- Data were collected from 127 children out of 148 initially entered.
Conclusions:
- The study provides valuable normative longitudinal data for VOR gain and balance performance in children.
- These data can aid in the clinical evaluation of pediatric dizziness and balance disorders.
- Age-related maturation of vestibular and balance systems is demonstrated.
Objective:
To obtain normative longitudinal vestibulo-ocular and balance test data in children from ages three to nine years with normal middle ear status.
Study Design:
Prospective, longitudinal cohort.
Setting:
Tertiary care pediatric hospital.
Subjects And Methods:
Three-year-old children were entered and tested yearly. Subjects underwent earth vertical axis rotation testing using sinusoidal and constant velocity stimuli and performed the Sensory Organization Test.
Results:
One hundred forty-eight children were entered, and usable data were collected on 127 children. A linear increase in the vestibulo-ocular reflex gain as children aged was found, without a change in the phase of the response. An age-related linear increase in equilibrium scores, indicating reduced postural sway, was also observed.
Conclusion:
These normative data can be used in the evaluation of dizziness and balance disorders in children.
