Comparison of the Static Balance Ability according to the Subjective Visual Vertical in Healthy Adults

ABSTRACT

Purpose@#The subjective visual vertical (SVV) test is used to evaluate the otolith function in the inner ear. This study compared the different balance ability according to the results of the SVV in healthy adults. @*Methods@#This study recruited 30 normal healthy subjects who did not have neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. The subjects were divided into experimental and control groups based on the results of SVV: experimental group, >2°; control group, <2°. The static balance ability was evaluated using the Fourier Index, which could evaluate the balance capacity objectively and quantitatively. @*Results@#The mean angle of the SVV in the experimental and control groups was 4.44° and 0.59°, respectively. In the result of the Fourier series, the F1 frequency band in the experimental group showed a significantly higher value under one condition compared to the control group (p<0.05). In the F2-4 and F5-6 frequency bands, the experimental group showed a significant increase in the Fourier series value under the four conditions compared to the control group (p<0.05). In the F7-8 frequency band, significantly higher values of the Fourier series were observed in the experimental group under the three different conditions (p<0.05). @*Conclusion@#These results showed increased trunk sway while maintaining static balance in the experimental group who showed a larger SVV angle compared to the control group. The SVV can be applied to evaluate the vestibular system and balance ability in normal adults.