Evaluation of subjective visual vertical in young adults

ABSTRACT

Objective

To evaluate subjective visual vertical in young adults without vestibular complaints and/or body balance problems.

Methods

This was a descriptive cross-sectional, observational and analytical study that assessed 50 young adults aged 18 to 30 years. Adult were excluded from the study if they had neurological and cognitive disorders, physical disability that affected their balance, visual impairment with no use of corrective lenses, use of drugs with effects on the central nervous system and/or the vestibular system and self-report of alcoholic use 24 hours before the assessment, and adults with vestibular problems and/or complaints The participants answered questions in a medical history interview and underwent subjective visual vertical assessment with the bucket method. The test was performed under three different sensory conditions: 1 - Subjects sitting with both feet on a stable surface (Paviflex® flooring); 2- Subjects sitting with their feet on top of foam; 3– Subjects on top of foam.

Results

The subjective visual vertical did not show a significant difference (p = 0.93) among the study sensory conditions.

Conclusion

The proprioceptive system did not significantly influence the measurement of the subjective visual vertical in young healthy adults.

Keywords:
Ear, Inner; Proprioception; Saccule and Utricle; Space perception; Visual perception; Evaluation