Studying How Weight Loss Surgery Affects Balance and Vestibular Function in Adults with Obesity

What this Trial Is About

Obesity has been shown to negatively impact the human vestibular system, which affects balance and spatial orientation. Researchers are investigating whether vestibular function improves after significant weight loss following bariatric surgery in obese patients. This observational study aims to assess vestibular and balance functions before surgery, one month after, and six months after surgery to better understand these changes. Participants will be evaluated at three time points before bariatric surgery, at one month post-operation, and at six months post-operation. At each visit, tests used include the Video Head Impulse Test vHIT to assess vestibular function, static posturography for balance performance, the Berg Balance Scale BBS for functional balance, the SF-12 Health Survey to measure quality of life, and the Activity-specific Balance Confidence ABC Scale to assess balance confidence. During the study, participants will have their medical history reviewed and Body Mass Index BMI measured. Researchers will monitor changes in vestibular function, balance, quality of life, and confidence in daily activities over a 12-month period. This study will help provide valuable information about the effects of bariatric surgery on balance and vestibular health in people with obesity.

Vestibular Function in Obesity