Influence of passive and active vestibular stimulation on balance of young children.

60 children, 6 to 8 yr. old, with below-average scores on three balance tests were divided into four equal groups: active vestibular stimulation (Preston Vestibular Board), passive vestibular stimulation (rotating chair), and a control group for each. Vestibular groups were given 14 sessions of stimulation over a 5-wk. period. Balance scores for all groups, including controls, improved significantly on one or more of the tests. Improvement could not be related to vestibular stimulation.