Determining the effect of cognitive training in individuals with vestibular dysfunction to overcome the fear of fall in elderly

Namrita K; Kumari Reena; Agrawal Parul Raj

Volume : IX, Issue : V, May - 2020

Determining the effect of cognitive training in individuals with vestibular dysfunction to overcome the fear of fall in elderly

Namrita K, Kumari Reena, Agrawal Parul Raj

Abstract :

Background of the study: Vestibular dysfunction may lead to atrophy of areas within the cortical vestibular network including the hippocampus, which may in turn be responsible for impairments in memory and visuospatial ability. Increased gaze and postural instability associated with vestibular loss may require increased attentional resources allocated to maintaining balance and decreased resources available for cognitive tasks. The high comorbidity of affective disorders in individuals with vestibular impairment may also contribute to cognitive dysfunction. Aims and objectives: To determine the effect of cognitive training in individuals with vestibular dysfunction to overcome the fear of fall in elderly. Methodology: After obtaining the clearance from institutional ethical committee, subjects were screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Written informed consents were taken from subjects falling under inclusion criteria. Details of the study procedure were explained to the subjects. Baseline assessment of fear of fall was done using Activities Specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC). The subjects who scored < 80% on ABC scale were assessed for vestibular dysfunction using DGI scale. The subjects who scored < 12 on DGI scale were categorized under subjects with vestibular dysfunction. Cognitive behavioural therapy was used as an intervention for subjects with vestibular dysfunction following which ABC scale was reintroduced to check the change in fear of fall. Results: The data was analyzed using statistical software SPSS 16. Paired t test was used to check the change in balance score following cognitive training. There was improvement in balance score with mean change of 23.41�8.8 which was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: : The cognitive behavioural therapy was proved to be effective in improving fear of fall in elderly population with vestibular dysfunction according to the Activities Specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC).