Seo (2009) adults balance rotation vestibular function (Korean)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of an aquatic Halliwick rotation program on improving balance ability and vestibular function. Twenty healthy adults participated and were randomly assigned to a control group (n=10) without training or aquatic group (n=10) with a Halliwick rotation program training. The aquatic group trained using a Halliwick rotation program through 3 times per week over 6 weeks. Balance and vestibular function were assessed by center of pressure(CoP), the change of surface electromyography root mean square (RMS) on leg muscles and the change of electrooculogram (EOG) according to stance position at 0,3 and 6 weeks after training. The following results were obtained.

1. In the physical tests, the changes on one leg stance, tandem Romberg stance and tandem Romberg stance with neck extension were tested. There was significant interaction in each group in accordance with the experiment time (p<.001, p<.01).The aquatic group showed the most decreasing pattern compared with the control- viii -group.

2. In CoP, the changes in unit path length and circumference area according to 3stance positions were evaluated. There was significant interaction in each group in accordance with the experiment time (p<.001, p<.05). The aquatic group showed the most decreasing pattern compared with the control group.

3. In CoP test, the changes in RMS according to 3 stance positions was assessed. There was significant interaction in each group in accordance with the experiment time (p<.001, p<.01). The aquatic group showed the most decreasing pattern compare with the control group.

4. In the result of EOG, the changes in vertical EOG and horizontal EOG according to active head rotation were calculated. There was significant interaction in each group in accordance with the experiment time (p<.001). The aquatic group showed the most decreasing pattern compared with the control group. The above results indicated that 6 weeks Halliwick rotation program training demonstrated positive effects on vestibular function and supports in balance ability postural control. Therefore, an aquatic Halliwick rotation program training could be applicable in physical therapy interventions that can improve balance and postural control.