REVIEW Effects of vestibular rehabilitation in the elderly: a systematic review Diandra Caroline Martins e Silva 1,2 • Victor Hugo Bastos 1,2,3 • Mariana de Oliveira Sanchez 4 • Monara Kedma Gomes Nunes 1,2 • Marco Orsini 5 • Pedro Ribeiro 3,6 • Bruna Velasques 3,7 • Silmar Silva Teixeira 2,8,9 Received: 2 June 2015 / Accepted: 12 October 2015 Ó Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015 Abstract Background Aging is characterized by gradual physio- logical changes in body systems. Changes in the vestibular system can occur and cause dizziness, vertigo and imbal- ance, symptoms that are common in the elderly. Vestibular rehabilitation is a therapeutic resource that has been widely used to improve this condition. Aims To complete a systematic review of the effects of vestibular rehabilitation on the elderly. Methods A search for relevant publications was con- ducted in SCIELO, PUBMED, MEDLINE, COCHRANE and LILACS databases. Clinical trials and cohort studies that were written in the English language and published over the course of the last 10 years were selected. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. A critical analysis of the studies was composed. Results Eight studies that involved subjects who were over the age of 60 were selected for inclusion in the sys- tematic review. The most common vestibular dysfunction identified was complaints about dizziness and imbalance. The Dizziness Handicap Inventory was the most frequently used assessment instrument, and the treatment protocol that prevailed was that suggested by Cawthorne and Cooksey. Discussion The PEDro scale showed that only one article was of an acceptable methodological quality and presented satisfactory outcome measures. This was due, in part, to a lack of a hidden randomization, masking of the subject, evaluators and therapists, and lack of outcome measures, which can reduce the quality of the evidence presented in this study. Conclusion Clinical trials indicate that vestibular reha- bilitation represents an effective means of treating elderly patients with vestibular disorders; however, evidence of its effectiveness remains lacking. Keywords The vestibular system Á Rehabilitation Á Elderly Á Dizziness Introduction Aging is accompanied by gradual physiological changes in body systems such as reductions in muscle strength, range of motion, reaction time, and changes in balance and sen- sory systems [1]. The aging process gradually compro- mises agility. This is due, in part, to the degeneration and & Diandra Caroline Martins e Silva diandra_martins@yahoo.com.br 1 Brain Mapping and Functionality Laboratory (LAMCEF/ UFPI), Federal University of Piauı ´, Teresina, PI, Brazil 2 Masters Program in Biomedical Science at Federal University of Piaui/Pi, Teresina, Brazil 3 Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration, Institute of Psychiatry of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/ UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 4 School of Science and Technology of Maranha ˜o, Maranha ˜o, MA, Brazil 5 Masters Program in Science Rehabilitation, UNISUAM, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 6 School of Physical Education, Bioscience Department (EEFD/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 7 Institute of Applied Neuroscience (INA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 8 Brain Mapping and Plasticity Laboratory (LAMPLACE/ UFPI), Federal University of Piauı ´, Parnaı ´ba, Brazil 9 Masters Program in Biotechnology at Federal University of Piauı ´, Teresina, PI, Brazil 123 Aging Clin Exp Res DOI 10.1007/s40520-015-0479-0