Effects of Vestibular Training on Balance Performance and Sensory Reweighting in Older Women

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of vestibular rehabilitation training on balance performance and sensory reweighting in older women.

Randomized, parallel-group, single-blind controlled clinical trial with pretest-posttest assessment.

The study was conducted at the biomechanics laboratory of Yazd University, Iran. Participants attended baseline and post-intervention assessment sessions. Balance performance was assessed using a force plate under different sensory conditions before and after the 8-week intervention period.

Inclusion criteria: female participants aged 55 years and older; no history of falls or musculoskeletal injury within the previous six months; no history of lower-limb surgery; absence of neurological, musculoskeletal, or systemic disorders affecting gait or balance; ability to participate independently in exercise sessions. Exclusion criteria: regular participation in structured physical activity programs; uncontrolled hypertension; history of severe chest pain, myocardial infarction, or type 1 diabetes; cognitive or psychological disorders affecting functional performance.

Intervention group: Participants performed supervised vestibular rehabilitation exercises three sessions per week for eight weeks, including eye, head, shoulder, and balance exercises under different sensory conditions. Control group: Participants continued their usual daily activities and did not receive any structured intervention during the study period.

Balance index; sensory system contributions to postural control including visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive dependence

Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the vestibular rehabilitation training (VRT) group or the control group using a computer-generated randomization sequence created by Random Allocation Software. The sequence was prepared by an independent researcher who was not involved in participant assessment or intervention administration. Allocation concealment was ensured using sealed opaque sequentially numbered envelopes (SNOSE). Each envelope was opened sequentially only after baseline assessment and participant enrollment. The unit of randomization was the individual participant.

This study was designed as a single-blind trial in which the outcome assessor was blinded to group allocation. Data analysis was also performed using coded group labels so that the data analyst was unaware of group assignments. Due to the nature of the exercise intervention, blinding of participants and researchers was not feasible.

Data related to the study protocol and statistical analysis plan may be available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request after publication of the study results. Individual participant data, informed consent forms, and identifiable information will not be publicly shared to protect participant confidentiality.

Study protocol and statistical analysis plan related to the randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of vestibular rehabilitation training on balance performance and sensory reweighting in older women.

The study protocol and statistical analysis plan will be available upon reasonable request after publication of the study results for up to five years.

Researchers and academic investigators with scientific interest in the study topic.

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