Fisioterapia vestibular e treino de memória visuoespacial: construção de um protocolo

Abstract

Objective: To develop a vestibular rehabilitation protocol associated with visuospatial memory training for older adults, based on scientific evidence. Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, the Virtual Health Library (VHL), and gray literature sources. Search terms related to vestibular rehabilitation, spatial memory, visuospatial working memory, and aging were employed. Studies addressing vestibular and/or cognitive interventions applicable to older adults were included. Based on the identified evidence, a therapeutic protocol integrating vestibular exercises and visuospatial memory tasks was developed. Results: The reviewed studies demonstrated an association between vestibular dysfunction and impairments in spatial memory, navigation, and visuospatial abilities. Evidence indicated that vestibular rehabilitation improves balance, postural control, and cognitive function, whereas visuospatial memory interventions enhance working memory, attention, and executive functions. Based on these findings, a protocol consisting of psychoeducation and four progressive dual-task exercises was proposed, combining vestibulo-ocular reflex adaptation, balance challenges, and spatial memory activities. Conclusion: The

integration of vestibular rehabilitation and visuospatial memory training is supported by theoretical and clinical evidence for application in older adults with vestibular dysfunction. The proposed protocol addresses a gap identified in the literature by providing a structured and reproducible intervention model for future clinical studies.