Longitudinal posturography and rotational testing in children three to nine years of age: Normative data

Abstract

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.