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

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.