Abstract Introduction Studies have found that elderly patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) may present low levels of vitamin D (25 (OH) D), changes in bone mineral density, and diabetes mellitus (DM). Objective To investigate the possible association between BPPV, bone mineral density, hypovitaminosis D, 25 (OH) D and DM. Methods The sample consisted of 109 elderly subjects. The BPPV was verified by a standardized questionnaire and the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. Blood samples were collected for the investigation of 25 (OH) D serum levels. The bone mineral density was evaluated by means of a densitometer. Diabetes mellitus verification was performed using a self-reported questionnaire. Results Of the 109 participants, 17 had BPPV. There was a statistically significant difference between BPPV and gender (p= 0.027, phi = 0.222), with female representing 88.2% of those with BPPV. In the group with BPPV, there was a statistically significant difference for the amount of vitamin D found (p= 0.001) and for age (p= 0.001). In the elderly group with DM and BPPV, a difference was found for the standard deviation of the femur (p= 0.022) with posthoc Dunn, identifying the difference between diabetics with and without BPPV (p= 0.047). Conclusion Although no association was found (25 (OH) D levels) with BPPV in the general population of this study, it was observed that there was an association with bone mineral density in the elderly group with DM and BPPV, and, in the group with BPPV, there was an association between the amount of vitamin D and age.

Resumo Introdução: No Brasil, existe uma lacuna de ferramentas de avaliação que avaliem o uso da tecnologia assistiva e a mobilidade funcional de pessoas que usam cadeira de rodas e seus cuidadores. O Wheelchair Skills Program (WSP) é um sistema integrado que inclui instrumentos para a avaliação e o treino de usuários de cadeira de rodas, cuidadores e profissionais. Objetivos: Realizar a Adaptação transcultural para o Português do Brasil do Wheelchair Skill Test Questionnaire (WST-Q Version 4.3) - destinada aos cuidadores, um instrumento componente do WSP, além de avaliar a sua validade de face junto aos respondentes. Método: Foram aplicadas etapas interativas para produção da versão brasileira do WST-Q. Foram avaliadas as Equivalências Cultural, Idiomática, Semântica e Conceitual por um Comitê de Especialistas. Participaram quinze cuidadores informais (n=15), os quais foram avaliados com WST-Q Brasil. Resultados: Vinte e oito, das 131 frases, foram modificadas para maior entendimento. A análise semântica posterior alcançou 96,18% de concordância, e as equivalências idiomática (100%), cultural (99,2%) e conceitual (100%) de concordância O questionário se mostrou prático e de fácil compreensão entre a população alvo e comitê de especialistas. Conclusão: Obteve-se êxito na adaptação transcultural da ferramenta, os membros do comitê de especialistas julgaram a versão brasileira equivalente a original canadense. O WST-Q Brasil versão 4.3 para cuidadores contemplou 33 habilidades em cadeira de rodas de transferência, mobilidade dentro e fora de casa.

Abstract Introduction: In Brazil, there is a gap of assessment, encompassing the use of assistive technology and functional mobility of wheelchairs users and caregivers. The Wheelchair Skills Program (WSP) is an integrated system that includes elements for testing and training wheelchair users, clinicians and/or their caregivers. Objective: Cross-cultural adaptation of the Portuguese-Brazil version of the Wheelchair Skill Test Questionnaire (WST-Q Version 4.3), a component of the WSP, and to examine its face validity. Method: Interactive steps were applied to produce Portuguese-Brazil versions of the WST-Q. The Cultural, Idiomatic, Semantic and Conceptual Equivalences were evaluated by a Committee of Specialists. Fifteen informal caregivers were evaluated with the WST-Q Brazil. Results: Twenty-eight of the 131 sentences were modified for further understanding. Subsequent semantic analysis reached 96.18% agreement, and language equivalence (100%), cultural (99.2%) and conceptual (100%) agreement. The questionnaire was easily understood between caregivers and the expert committee judged the Brazilian version equivalent to Canadian original. Conclusion: Success was achieved in cross-cultural adaptation of the tool, members of the expert committee judged the Brazilian version equivalent to the original Canadian. The WST-Q Brazil version 4.3 for caregivers contemplated 33 wheelchair transfer skills, mobility outdoor and indoor.

Introduction Poor diet habits and inadequate intake of nutrients are a concern in the elderly. Nutritional education with guidance may improve the results of the treatment of vertigo. Objective Evaluate the presence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) associated with feeding habits. Methods Cross-sectional study with elderly people living independently.We evaluated nutritional habits through themethod of dietary 24-hour recall andmanipulation of Dix-Hallpike. Results Based on a sample of 487 individuals, 117 had BPPV. Among the 117 elderly patients with BPPV, 37 (31.62%) had inadequate feeding. From those 370 individuals without BPPV, 97 (26.21%) had inappropriate feeding. No significant association between nutritional habits and BPPV in the total population was observed (p = 0.3064). However, there was significant relation between BPPV and inadequate carbohydrate intake (p = 0.0419) and insufficient fiber intake (p = 0.03), and the diet of these subjects was rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.0084). Conclusion These data correlate with the dyslipidemia and hypertriglyceridemia status, making it extremely important to reduce the intake of fats and carbohydrates and increase the fiber intake to stabilize triglycerides and thus minimize harmful effects on the inner ear. Food readjustment is suggested in patients with BPPV, along with the work of a multidisciplinary team to improve the quality of the elderly.

Resumo: OBJETIVO: avaliar a influência do tratamento com fármacos antivertiginosos sobre a qualidade de vida e o equilíbrio postural de adultos e idosos com queixas de tontura. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal, com amostra de 51 indivíduos portadores de queixas de tontura, divididos em dois grupos, de acordo com o uso (grupo medicado, n=25) ou não (grupo não medicado, n=26) de fármacos antivertiginosos. Foram coletadas informações sobre: caracterização dos sintomas (ficha elaborada pelos pesquisadores), autopercepção de qualidade de vida (Dizziness Handicap Inventory),intensidade de tontura (escala visual analógica de tontura) e equilíbrio postural (plataforma de força). RESULTADOS: verificou-se intensidade moderada de tontura (Média: 4,6 ± 2,8) e impacto negativo das vestibulopatias sobre a qualidade de vida (Média: 47,3 ± 22,4) na amostra total. Quando comparados os dois grupos, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante na intensidade da tontura (p=0,74) ou qualidade de vida (p=0,79), e também, nos parâmetros da estabilometria, em quatro tarefas (teste t independente, p>0,05). Contudo, após a inclusão do tempo de utilização de fármacos antivertiginosos como uma covariável do estudo, foi verificado pior desempenho nas diferentes tarefas da estabilometria no grupo medicado (ANCOVA, p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: o uso de fármacos antivertiginosos não melhora a qualidade de vida de indivíduos com queixas de tontura e o equilíbrio postural esteve alterado no grupo medicado.

Abstract: PURPOSE: this study aimed to identify the influence of anti-vertigo drugs on the health-related quality of life and balance in adults and elder individuals with dizziness complaints. METHODS: 51 individuals with dizziness complaints were enrolled at this cross-sectional study. The sample was divided into two groups according to chronic use of antivertigo drugs (medicated group, n=25 or non-medicated group, n=26). Information regarding vertigo-related symptoms, health-related quality of life (through Dizziness Handicap Inventory), dizziness intensity (measured by dizziness visual analogue scale) and postural balance (using a force platform) were assessed in all subjects recruited. RESULTS: a moderate intensity of dizziness was observed (Mean: 4.6 ± 2.8) as well as negative impact on health-related quality of life (Mean: 47.3 ± 22.4) at this sample. When medicated and non-medicated groups were compared, no statistically differences were observed concerning dizziness intensity (p=0.74) and health-related quality of life (p=0.79). Similar results were observed regarding balance parameters (Unpaired t test, p > 0.05). However, after including the time duration of antivertigo drugs' use as a covariable of this study, a worse balance in different balance tasks was observed at the medicated group (ANCOVA, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: no benefits concerning the symptoms or health-related quality of life were observed after chronic treatment with anti-vertigo drugs. On the other hand, worse balance control was observed in medicated group.

<sec><title>Introduction</title><p>Dizziness can be characterized as a balance disorder that causes discomfort, leading to several functional limitations. Currently, vestibular rehabilitation has been highlighted as a possible treatment.</p></sec><sec><title>Objective</title><p>Analyze the effects of completing a vestibular rehabilitation treatment protocol on quality of life and postural balance in patients with vestibular complaints, as well as to compare these effects between the patients taking or not taking antivertigo drugs.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>A nonrandomized controlled trial was performed with 20 patients previously diagnosed with vestibular diseases. Information regarding vertigo symptoms, quality of life as assessed through the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, visual analog scale of dizziness, and stabilometry using force platform was collected. Patients were treated for 12 weeks by a customprotocol. The sample was divided into two groups according to the use (medicated group, n = 9) or not (control group, n = 11) of antivertigo drugs.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>There was improvement in quality of life (p < 0.001) and intensity of dizziness (p = 0.003) with the intervention. An improvement of postural balance was observed through functional tests. However, no statistically significant difference was noted in stabilometry. When both groups were compared, no statistically significant differences between the variations of the variables analyzed were found in the re-evaluation session.</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusion</title><p>Quality of life and postural balance are improved with intervention. However, this improvement is not associated with pharmacologic treatment.</p></sec>

Introdução O Acidente Vascular Encefálico (AVE) é uma doença multifatorial, de modo que a combinação de fatores de risco pode contribuir para o seu desenvolvimento. Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência dos fatores de risco para o AVE na população idosa fisicamente independente do município de Londrina. Materiais e métodos O estudo foi composto por idosos integrantes do projeto EELO (Estudo sobre o Envelhecimento e Longevidade – Londrina (PR), Brasil). Para identificação dos fatores de risco do AVE, utilizou-se um questionário estruturado com informações sobre dados sociodemográficos, dados antropométricos, variáveis de estilo de vida como sedentarismo e hábito de fumar, análise da presença de comorbidades e avaliação laboratorial para o diagnóstico de diabetes e dislipidemias. Resultados Participaram deste estudo 454 idosos com idade média de 69,7 anos. Observou-se relação significativa entre o número de fatores de risco e o gênero (p = 0,01), com maior prevalência entre as mulheres. Em análise isolada, idosos entre 60 e 69 anos apresentaram maior incidência de obesidade (p = 0,03) e dislipidemias (p = 0,04). Em relação ao gênero, a obesidade (p = 0,01), tabagismo (p = 0,0001), doença vascular (p = 0,0001) e doença cardíaca na família (p = 0,01) apresentaram maior incidência no sexo feminino, segundo teste Qui Quadrado. Conclusões Conclui-se que os idosos com idade menor que 70 anos e mulheres idosas foram os que apresentaram maior número de fatores de risco para o AVE. Desta forma sugere-se a elaboração de programas de atenção primária com o objetivo de promover informações sobre a prevenção destes fatores de risco e a redução da ocorrência do acidente vascular encefálico.

Introduction Stroke (CVA) is a multifactorial disease, where the combination of risk factors may be associated with and contribute to its development. Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of risk factors for stroke in the physically independent elderly in the city of Londrina, Brazil. Materials and methods This study was composed of the elderly individuals participating in the EELO project (Age and Ageing Study, Londrina, State of Paraná, Brazil). In order to identify the risk factors for stroke, one used a structured questionnaire with information about socio-demographic and anthropometric data as well as lifestyle variables, such as physical inactivity and smoking, presence of comorbidities, and laboratory tests for diagnosis of diabetes and dyslipidemia. Results The study included 454 elderly with mean age of 69.7 years. There was a significant relationship between the number of risk factors and gender (p = 0.01), with higher prevalence among women. In separate analysis, the elderly between 60 and 69 years had a higher incidence of obesity (p = 0.03) and dyslipidemia (p = 0.04). Regarding gender, obesity (p = 0.01), smoking (p = 0.0001), vascular disease (p = 0.0001) and heart disease in the family (p = 0.01) higher incidence was shown in females, according toChi Square’s test. Conclusions It is concluded that elderly people aged less than 70 years and older women were those with the highest number of risk factors for CVA. Therefore, it may be suggested the development of primary care programs in order to promote information on the prevention of these risk factors and thus reduce the occurrence of stroke.

OBJETIVO:verificar a prevalência da vertigem posicional paroxística benigna e identificar suas prováveis associações em uma população de idosos.MÉTODOS:estudo transversal realizado em idosos, submetidos à avaliação audiológica, questionário e à Manobra de Dix-Hallpilke. Aplicaram-se os testes não paramétricos: Qui-quadrado e regressão multivariada com intervalo de confiança de 95%.RESULTADOS:a amostra final foi de 494 indivíduos, com mediana de idade de 69(64,75- 74,00) anos. Observou-se a prevalência de 23,9% de vertigem posicional paroxística benigna e 51,6% de dor cervical e 37,9% de cefaléia. Houve associação estatisticamente significante entre a vertigem posicional paroxística benigna e dor cervical, gênero e cefaléia nesta população.CONCLUSÃO:conclui-se que nesta população de idosos a prevalência da vertigem posicional paroxística benigna foi de 23,9% e da dor cervical foi de 51,6% e houve associação significante entre a vertigem posicional paroxística benigna com a dor cervical e com o gênero feminino.

PURPOSE:to determine the prevalence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and identify their associations in an elderly population.METHODS:a cross-sectional study in elderly patients evaluated by audiological evaluation, comorbidity questionnaireand Dix-Hallpike maneuver Were applied nonparametric tests: Chi-square and multivariate regression with a confidence interval of 95%.RESULTS:the final sample consisted of 494 individuals, with a median age of 69 (64.75 to 74.00) years. Observed prevalence of 23.9% of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and 51.6% of neck pain and headache 37.9%. There was a statistically significant association between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and neck pain, headache and gender in this population.CONCLUSION:it is concluded that this elderly population the prevalence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo was 23.9% and the neck pain was 51.6% and there was a significant association between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo with neck pain and female gender.

Introduction Physical inactivity is an important risk factor for many age-related diseases and symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo. Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the possible association between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and regular physical activity in elderly subjects. Methods This cross-sectional study included 491 elderly individuals who lived independently. Physical exercise was assessed through a questionnaire and BPPV by history and the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. Results The present study indicates no significant association between BPPV with lack of physical activity in men and in the total population. We have confirmed associations between BPPV with lack of physical activity in women (p = 0.01). Women with a sedentary lifestyle who do not practice physical activity are 2.62 more likely to have BPPV than those with regular physical activity. Conclusion These results highlight the importance of identifying risk factors for BPPV that can be modified through specific interventions. Regular physical activity is a lifestyle with potential to decrease the risk of vertigo in women.

INTRODUÇÃO: O zumbido é um sintoma prevalente e de alto impacto na qualidade de vida do paciente idoso. A presença de cervicalgia e alterações na coluna cervical são comuns em pacientes com queixa de zumbido. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência do zumbido e cervicalgia em um grupo de idosos e verificar a possível associação entre zumbido, cervicalgia e restrição de amplitude de movimento cervical. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal retrospectivo com avaliação da amplitude de movimento cervical através de goniometria e do zumbido e da cervicalgia através da aplicação de questionário padronizado. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi constituída por 147 indivíduos, com idade média de 69,22 anos sendo 61,90% mulheres. Desses indivíduos, 42,85% apresentaram queixa de zumbido 51% dos indivíduos relataram queixa de dor cervical. Não houve associação entre zumbido e dor cervical e nem associação entre zumbido e restrição de amplitude de movimento cervical. CONCLUSÃO: Embora não tenha sido constatada associação entre zumbido e dor cervical e entre zumbido e restrição de amplitude de movimento, observou-se grande prevalência de queixa de zumbido, de cervicalgia e de diminuição na amplitude de movimento cervical na população de idosos. Os resultados da presente pesquisa, por meio da constatação desta grande prevalência do zumbido em toda a população de estudo, servirão de base a uma integração entre profissionais da área de saúde envolvidos com tais alterações.

INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus is a prevailing symptom that highly jeopardizes the elderly patient's quality of life. Neck pain and cervical column alterations are frequent in patients complaining about tinnitus. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the prevalence of both tinnitus and neck pain on an elderly group, and verify the likely association between tinnitus, neck pain and the constraint to make wide cervical movements. METHODS: Retrospective transversal study, evaluating both the width of cervical movement by way of a goniometry and the tinnitus and neck pain by requesting a standard questionnaire to be filled out. RESULTS: Sample was comprised of 147 individuals aged between 69. 22, 61. 90% of whom were female. Among these individuals, 42. 85% showed a buzz complaint and 51% of these individuals claimed to have a neck pain. Neither was association found between tinnitus and neck pain nor it was between tinnitus and the width constraint of cervical movements. CONCLUSION: Despite not finding an association between tinnitus and neck pain or between tinnitus and the width constraint of cervical movements, there was a significant prevalence of tinnitus, neck pain and a reduction in the width of cervical movements on the elderly people. The results hereof, by finding this important prevalence of tinnitus in all the individuals of this study, will be the basis to integrate health professionals engaged in such alterations.

OBJETIVO: avaliar os parâmetros estabilométricos após a manobra de reposicionamento de Epley em indivíduos com Vertigem Posicional Paroxística Benigna (VPPB) previamente confirmada através da manobra de Dix-Hallpike. MÉTODOS: estudo experimental que incluiu pacientes que apresentaram VPPB com nistagmo de posicionamento à prova de Dix-Hallpike, avaliados no ano de 2008, no Ambulatório Multidisciplinar de Vertigem, e que foram submetidos à manobra de reposicionamento de Epley e avaliados quanto ao equilíbrio postural pelo exame de Estabilometria, antes e após a citada manobra. RESULTADOS: os 13 indivíduos do gênero feminino com idade variando de 15 a 78 anos com VPPB, previamente confirmados e selecionados para a pesquisa, apresentaram melhora estatisticamente significante em parâmetros estabilométricos verificados da primeira para a segunda avaliação, confirmando melhora do equilíbrio postural, após a manobra de Epley. CONCLUSÃO: nesta pesquisa a manobra de reposicionamento de Epley mostrou-se como um procedimento de intervenção importante para a melhora das respostas do equilíbrio postural em indivíduos com VPPB avaliados pela estabilometria.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the stabilometry parameters after Epley's maneuver in individuals with BPPV previously confirmed through Dix-Hallpike maneuver. METHODS: an experimental study which included patients with BPPV with positional nystagmus taking Dix-Hallpike's test and assessed in 2008, at the Multidisciplinary Vertigo Ambulatory, and who were also submitted to Epley's maneuver and assessed as for their postural balance through a stabilometry exam, both before and after such maneuver. RESULTS: the 13 female subjects with ages ranging from 15 to 78 years with previously confirmed BPPV, who were selected for the research, showed a significant statistically improvement regarding their postural balance after Epley's maneuver in all analyzed parameters as for both exams. CONCLUSION: in this research the Epley's maneuver was shown as a procedure of important intervention for improving the answers of postural balance in individuals with BPPV evaluated by the stabilometry.

Na busca por compreender a representação social do uso da cadeira de rodas, através da análise de entrevistas com dez pessoas que sofreram lesão da medula espinhal, elaborou-se a construção de cinco representações. O fenômeno vivenciado sobre a cadeira de rodas possibilitou uma trajetória de significados e simbologias: equipamento indispensável, após a pessoa perceber a incapacidade para andar, símbolo de deficiência quando vivencia a dependência funcional; meio de locomoção e transporte após o resgate de seus potenciais funcionais, passa a integralizar parte ou todo o seu corpo e, por fim, emerge a concepção de autonomia sob quatro rodas, pela adaptação à sua nova capacidade de locomoção. A cadeira de rodas, como extensão do corpo modificado pela lesão medular, ao devolver-lhe o direito de locomoção, presenteia-o não só com a autonomia para vários atos da vida, como lhe devolve a dignidade, tão essencial à vida humana.

In seeking to understand the social representation of the use of the wheelchair through the analysis of interviews with ten people who have suffered spinal cord injury, the construction of five representations was elaborated. The phenomenon experienced regarding the wheelchair provided a route of meanings and symbologies: essential equipment, after the person perceive the inability to walk; a symbol of disability when the person experienced functional dependence; means of locomotion and transport after the rescue of their potential functional; becoming an integral part or all of their body and, finally, the concept of autonomy on four wheels by adjusting to their new ability to walk emerges. The wheelchair as an extension of the modified body for spinal cord injury, returns them the right of locomotion, presents them not only with autonomy for various acts of life, but also restores their dignity, so essential to human life.

Buscando comprender la representación social del uso de la silla de ruedas a través del análisis de entrevistas con diez personas que sufrieron lesión de la médula espinal, elaboramos la construcción de cinco representaciones. El fenómeno experimentado sobre la silla de ruedas posibilitó una trayectoria de significados y simbologías: es un equipamiento indispensable, después de la persona percibir la incapacidad para andar; es símbolo de deficiencia, cuando siente la dependencia funcional; es un medio de locomoción y transporte, después del rescate de sus potenciales funcionales; pasa a integrar parte de su cuerpo; y por último, emerge la concepción de autonomía bajo cuatro ruedas, al adaptarse a su nueva capacidad de locomoción. La silla de ruedas como extensión del cuerpo modificado por la lesión medular, al devolverle el derecho de locomoción, le ofrece autonomía para varios actos de la vida y le devuelve la dignidad, tan esencial a la vida humana.

In seeking to understand the social representation of the use of the wheelchair through the analysis of interviews with ten people who have suffered spinal cord injury, the construction of five representations was elaborated. The phenomenon experienced regarding the wheelchair provided a route of meanings and symbologies: essential equipment, after the person perceive the inability to walk; a symbol of disability when the person experienced functional dependence; means of locomotion and transport after the rescue of their potential functional; becoming an integral part or all of their body and, finally, the concept of autonomy on four wheels by adjusting to their new ability to walk emerges. The wheelchair as an extension of the modified body for spinal cord injury, returns them the right of locomotion, presents them not only with autonomy for various acts of life, but also restores their dignity, so essential to human life.

Buscando comprender la representación social del uso de la silla de ruedas a través del análisis de entrevistas con diez personas que sufrieron lesión de la médula espinal, elaboramos la construcción de cinco representaciones. El fenómeno experimentado sobre la silla de ruedas posibilitó una trayectoria de significados y simbologías: es un equipamiento indispensable, después de la persona percibir la incapacidad para andar; es símbolo de deficiencia, cuando siente la dependencia funcional; es un medio de locomoción y transporte, después del rescate de sus potenciales funcionales; pasa a integrar parte de su cuerpo; y por último, emerge la concepción de autonomía bajo cuatro ruedas, al adaptarse a su nueva capacidad de locomoción. La silla de ruedas como extensión del cuerpo modificado por la lesión medular, al devolverle el derecho de locomoción, le ofrece autonomía para varios actos de la vida y le devuelve la dignidad, tan esencial a la vida humana.

Na busca por compreender a representação social do uso da cadeira de rodas, através da análise de entrevistas com dez pessoas que sofreram lesão da medula espinhal, elaborou-se a construção de cinco representações. O fenômeno vivenciado sobre a cadeira de rodas possibilitou uma trajetória de significados e simbologias: equipamento indispensável, após a pessoa perceber a incapacidade para andar, símbolo de deficiência quando vivencia a dependência funcional; meio de locomoção e transporte após o resgate de seus potenciais funcionais, passa a integralizar parte ou todo o seu corpo e, por fim, emerge a concepção de autonomia sob quatro rodas, pela adaptação à sua nova capacidade de locomoção. A cadeira de rodas, como extensão do corpo modificado pela lesão medular, ao devolver-lhe o direito de locomoção, presenteia-o não só com a autonomia para vários atos da vida, como lhe devolve a dignidade, tão essencial à vida humana.