Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Journal of Ear Nose Throat and Head Neck Surgery, cilt.32, sa.2, ss.51-58, 2024 (Scopus)
Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of age-related imbalance (presbiastasis) on adaptation score, fall risk and quality of life in elderly individuals. Material and Methods: This is a retrospective study. 454 individuals (60 years and older) with videonystagmography, Video Head Impulse Test and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials test results were analyzed and those with central pathology and peripheral vestibular pathology were ex-cluded. Forty-five individuals who met the criteria were included. Eleven were male and 34 were female (male/female ratio 1/3). The mean age was 63.67±7.21 years. The participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 with a history of falls (n=27 individuals) and Group 2 without a history of falls (n=18 individuals). Computerized Dynamic Posturography results were also evaluated and used as a sub-parameter of the adaptation test. Fall Efficacy Scale (FES) and Visual Ana-log Scale (VAS-fear of falling) were used to assess falls and fear of falling. World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Elderly (WHOQOL-elderly) scores were examined and compared to assess quality of life. Results: When the results of the FES (p=0.003) and VAS (fear of falling) (p=0.001) for falls and balance between Group 1 and Group 2 were analyzed, it was determined that there were significant differences between the groups. In addition, significant differences were found between Group 1 and Group 2 in the sub-parameters of the WHO-QOL-Elderly scale to assess quality of life, including emotionality (p=0.004), functionality (p=0.002), autonomy (p=0.004), past, present, future activities (p=0.004) and social participation (p=0.05) scores. As a result of the comparison of adaptation test scores, a statistically significant relationship was found between the two groups (p<0.05). In addition, in the correlation analysis performed between adaptation test scores and the scores of FES and VAS (fear of falling), it was determined that there was a significant positive correlation with FES scores and a significant negative correlation with VAS (fear of falling) scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: It has been demonstrated that the adaptation test is a valuable parameter for assessing the risk of falls in elderly individuals with presbyastasia. Fur-thermore, the scores of FES and VAS (fear of falling) were found to be highly effective in identifying the risk of falls. These findings underscore the significance of utilizing adaptation testing to assess fall risk and evaluate balance functions in elderly individuals experiencing age-related imbalance complaints. Moreover, it is be-lieved that these tests can serve as valuable tools in designing rehabilitation programs for elderly individuals with imbalance complaints. Consequently, incorporating assessment parameters such as FES, VAS, and adaptation score may enhance the efficacy of balance-focused rehabilitation programs for elderly individuals.