Vestibular Function in Obesity

Istanbul Aydın University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Vestibular Function Disorder; Balance Impairment; Sleeve Gastrectomy; Obesity; Balance Assessment

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07033221

60/2025

Details and patient eligibility

About

Previous studies have demonstrated that obesity negatively affects the human vestibular system. However, whether improvement in vestibular function occurs following the resolution of obesity remains an area requiring further investigation. Therefore, the investigators aimed to assess and analyze vestibular system functions in patients scheduled for bariatric surgery, both before the surgery, after the surgery, and following significant weight loss.

Participants aged between 18 and 60 years who meet the inclusion criteria will be enrolled in the study. Initially, participants will undergo medical history assessment and Body Mass Index (BMI) measurement. The enrolled participants will be evaluated using the following tests at three different time points-preoperatively, at the 1st month postoperatively, and at the 6th month postoperatively: Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT), static posturography test, Berg Balance Scale, SF-12 Quality of Life Scale, and the Activity-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale.

Although obesity has been shown to be associated with impaired postural balance, studies evaluating the direct effect of BMI on postural sway are limited. The aim of our study is to assess the vestibular system in obese patients before and after bariatric surgery. Through this, the investigators hope to contribute to the literature by providing balance assessments in individuals with obesity

Enrollment: 30 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 60 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. The native language must be Turkish
2. The participant must be between the ages of 18-60
3. The participant must be suitable for bariatric surgery (BMI ≥40 kg/m2)
4. Not have any previous vestibular diagnosis
5. Not have any problems such as joints, muscles, or walking

Exclusion criteria

Individuals with additional disabilities, neurological problems, vestibulopathy, joint, muscle or walking disorders will not be included in the study.