Sex-related differences in the physical, functional, physiological, and emotional profile of adults with chronic vestibular hypofunction: a cross-sectional EXERVEST study
TL;DR
The physical, functional, physiological, and emotional profiles of adults with CVH are characterized and sex-related differences within this population are explored to determine the clinical relevance of these differences for personalized programs.
Abstract
Background Chronic vestibular hypofunction (CVH), often resulting from illness or injury, is linked to sedentary behaviour, poor sleep, and comorbidities. This cross-sectional descriptive study characterized the physical, functional, physiological, and emotional profiles of adults with CVH and explored sex-related differences within this population. Methods Participants (N = 67, 58 yrs, 43 women) with CVH were assessed on their body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), balance and fall risk (posturography and Modified Dynamic Gait Index, MDGI), health-related quality of life (Dizziness Handicap Inventory, DHI), emotional profile (Beck Depression Inventory [BDI-II] and Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI]), level of physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour, and sleep quality (accelerometry). Results As a group, participants showed a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.8 (0.7–0.9), mean MDGI score of 61.0 points, standard somatosensory and visual data from posturography, a median values of DHI, BDI-II, and BAI of 26.0 (16.0–34.0), 11.0 (4.0–17.5), and 12 (7.8–20.3), respectively; sleep efficiency >85%, greater sedentary behaviour (∼54%) relative to PA levels, reduced total sleep time (TST) and a higher frequency of nocturnal awakenings than recommended (35.7 ± 14.7 min). Sex-related differences were observed (P < 0.05): women were older, showed higher fat mass (+18%), better sleep efficiency (+2.4%), more bedtime (+5.7%), and TST (+8.0%), but lower fat-free mass (−9.7%), visual dependence (−18%), and CRF (−20.7%) compared to men. No sex differences were observed in dizziness handicap, anxiety, depression, or PA levels. Conclusions Adults with CVH exhibited a multidimensional clinical profile with sex-related differences in several physical, functional, and physiological outcomes. These findings support comprehensive clinical assessment and warrant longitudinal studies to determine the clinical relevance of these differences for personalized programs.