A one hypothesis to explain some vestibular peripheral disorders is their association with life style. Thus, studies with young adults are relevant.Aim: to analyze the prevalence of dynamic balance alterations in young adults and their possible association with life style variables, health and negative emotional states (since they can impact the outcome). Materials and Methods:we carried out a non-probabilistic cross-sectional, clinical-retrospective study with young adults (18-32 years of age) from a university with 751 individuals, with a mean age of 22.45± 3.32 years. Life style, health and negative emotional states (NES) variables -depression, stress and anxiety, were collected by means of an interview. The Unterberger test was used in order to check for indications of dynamic balance alterations. Individuals with altered dynamic balance (ADB) were compared to those without these alterations (controls).Results: From our sample, 642 (83.6%) had less than 45º of deviation, while 109 (14.2%) had greater than 45º deviation and were the considered with ADB. The ADB group had a greater prevalence of smoking, alcohol abuse/dependence, high blood pressure and NES.Conclusion: the study highlights the occurrence of ADB which needs to be corroborated in future studies. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2010;76(3):392-8. ORIGINAL ARTICLE BJORL