1
|
Zhu M, van Stiphout L, Karabulut M, Pérez Fornos A, Guinand N, Meijer K, van de Berg R, McCrum C. Assessing balance in people with bilateral vestibulopathy using the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest): feasibility and comparison with healthy control data. J Neurol 2023; 270:4423-4433. [PMID: 37269353 PMCID: PMC10421784 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11795-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) leads to unsteadiness when walking, which worsens in darkness or on uneven ground, as well as falls. Since simple balance tests struggle to distinguish between BVP and healthy participants, we aimed (1) to test if the Mini-BESTest is feasible in BVP, (2) how people with BVP perform on the Mini-BESTest and (3) to compare these scores with healthy reference data. METHODS Fifty participants with BVP completed the Mini-BESTest. 12-month falls incidence was obtained by questionnaire. To compare the overall and sub-scores between our participants with BVP and those of healthy participants from the literature (n = 327; obtained via PubMed searches), Mann-Whitney U tests were used. Sub scores within the BVP group were also compared. Spearman correlations were used to investigate the relationships between Mini-BESTest score and age. RESULTS No floor or ceiling effects were observed. Participants with BVP had significantly lower Mini-BESTest total scores than the healthy group. Anticipatory, reactive postural control and sensory orientation sub scores of the Mini-BESTest were significantly lower in BVP, while dynamic gait sub scores were not significantly different. A stronger negative correlation between age and Mini-BESTest total score was found in BVP than in the healthy group. Scores did not differ between patients with different falls history. CONCLUSION The Mini-BESTest is feasible in BVP. Our results confirm the commonly reported balance deficits in BVP. The stronger negative association between age and balance in BVP might reflect the age-related decline in the remaining sensory systems with which people with BVP compensate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meichan Zhu
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital (Guangzhou Otolarynology-Head and Neck Surgery Hospital), No. 1 Tianqiang Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510620, Guangdong, China.
| | - Lisa van Stiphout
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mustafa Karabulut
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Angélica Pérez Fornos
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nils Guinand
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kenneth Meijer
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Raymond van de Berg
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Christopher McCrum
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Herssens N, How D, van de Berg R, McCrum C. Falls Among People With Bilateral Vestibulopathy: A Review of Causes, Incidence, Injuries, and Methods. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 148:187-192. [PMID: 34989780 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2021.3673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance People with bilateral vestibulopathy experience severe balance and mobility issues. Fear and anxiety are associated with reduced activity, which can further affect balance and fall risk. Understanding and intervening on falls in this population is essential. The aims of this narrative review are to provide an overview of the current knowledge and applied methods on fall incidence, causes, and injuries in bilateral vestibulopathy. Observations Eleven articles reporting falls incidence in people with bilateral vestibulopathy were deemed eligible, including 3 prospective and 8 retrospective studies, with a total of 359 participants, of whom 149 (42%) fell during the assessed period. When reported, the most common perceived causes of falls were loss of balance, darkness, and uneven ground. Information on sustained injuries was limited, with bruises and scrapes being the most common, and only 4 fractures were reported. As most studies included falls as a secondary, descriptive outcome measure, fall data obtained using best practice guidelines were lacking. Only 6 studies reported their definition of a fall, of which 2 studies explicitly reported the way participants were asked about their fall status. Only 3 studies performed a prospective daily fall assessment using monthly fall diaries (a recommended practice), whereas the remaining studies retrospectively collected fall-related data through questionnaires or interviews. While most studies reported the number of people who did and did not fall, the number of total falls in individual studies was lacking. Conclusions and Relevance The findings from this review suggest that falls in people with bilateral vestibulopathy are common but remain an understudied consequence of the disease. Larger prospective studies that follow best practice guidelines for fall data collection with the aim of obtaining and reporting fall data are required to improve current fall risk assessments and interventions in bilateral vestibulopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nolan Herssens
- Space Medicine Team (HRE-OM), European Astronaut Centre, European Space Agency, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy/MOVANT, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Daniella How
- Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Münster University, Münster, Germany
| | - Raymond van de Berg
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Christopher McCrum
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Herssens N, Dobbels B, Moyaert J, Van de Berg R, Saeys W, Hallemans A, Vereeck L, Van Rompaey V. Paving the Way Toward Distinguishing Fallers From Non-fallers in Bilateral Vestibulopathy: A Wide Pilot Observation. Front Neurol 2021; 12:611648. [PMID: 33732204 PMCID: PMC7957054 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.611648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) present with unsteadiness during standing and walking, limiting their activities of daily life and, more importantly, resulting in an increased risk of falling. In BVP patients, falls are considered as one of the major complications, with patients having a 31-fold increased risk of falling compared to healthy subjects. Thus, highlighting objective measures that can easily and accurately assess the risk of falling in BVP patients is an important step in reducing the incidence of falls and the accompanying burdens. Therefore, this study investigated the interrelations between demographic characteristics, vestibular function, questionnaires on self-perceived handicap and balance confidence, clinical balance measures, gait variables, and fall status in 27 BVP patients. Based on the history of falls in the preceding 12 months, the patients were subdivided in a "faller" or "non-faller" group. Results on the different outcome measures were compared between the "faller" and "non-faller" subgroups using Pearson's chi-square test in the case of categorical data; for continuous data, Mann-Whitney U test was used. Performances on the clinical balance measures were comparable between fallers and non-fallers, indicating that, independent from fall status, the BVP patients present with an increased risk of falling. However, fallers tended to report a worse self-perceived handicap and confidence during performing activities of daily life. Spatiotemporal parameters of gait did not differ between fallers and non-fallers during walking at slow, preferred, or fast walking speed. These results may thus imply that, when aiming to distinguish fallers from non-fallers, the BVP patients' beliefs concerning their capabilities may be more important than the moderately or severely affected physical performance within a clinical setting. Outcome measures addressing the self-efficacy and fear of falling in BVP patients should therefore be incorporated in future research to investigate whether these are indeed able to distinguish fallers form non-fallers. Additionally, information regarding physical activity could provide valuable insights on the contextual information influencing behavior and falls in BVP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nolan Herssens
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy/Movant, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bieke Dobbels
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Julie Moyaert
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Raymond Van de Berg
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Wim Saeys
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy/Movant, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- RevArte Rehabilitation Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Ann Hallemans
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy/Movant, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Multidisciplinary Motor Centre Antwerp (MOCEAN), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Luc Vereeck
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy/Movant, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Multidisciplinary Motor Centre Antwerp (MOCEAN), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vincent Van Rompaey
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Swanenburg J, Büchi F, Straumann D, Weber KP, de Bruin ED. Exergaming With Integrated Head Turn Tasks Improves Compensatory Saccade Pattern in Some Patients With Chronic Peripheral Unilateral Vestibular Hypofunction. Front Neurol 2020; 11:601. [PMID: 32714269 PMCID: PMC7344241 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to determine whether vestibular rehabilitation using active video games (Exergames), including promoted head turns and unsupported locomotion, may facilitate vestibular compensation and gait in subjects with one-sided chronic peripheral vestibular hypofunction (cPVH). Methods: 12 patients with cPVH (mean age of 65 ± 12 years, 8 male) were recruited for this study. The study consisted of a four-week baseline control period T1-T2 followed by a four-week intervention period T2-T3. The intervention included exergames that required physical tasks such as steps, weight shifts or balance control to cognitive challenges, in a virtual environment to play the game. The subjects participated in a total of 176 min of exergaming in eight sessions. Because of the changing projection direction of the game to the wall, the subjects had to turn their heads constantly while playing the game. Dynamic visual acuity (DVA) was assessed. Vestibulo-Ocular reflex (VOR) gain deficit and cumulative overt saccade amplitude (COSA) were measured with the video head-impulse test. Additionally, the functional gait assessment (FGA), Extended Timed Get-Up-and-Go (ETGUG), and the Dizziness handicap inventory (DHI), were assessed. Results: DVA showed no significant group level change (p = 0.475, z = -0.714, d = 0.295) with a small effect size and improvements in five out of 12 subjects. Ipsilesional VOR gain did not improve (p = 0.157, z = -1.414, d = 0.481) on group level while there was an intermediate effect size and improvements in six out of 12 subjects. COSA got significant smaller (p = 0.006, z = -2.746, d = 1.354) with improvements in seven out of 12 subjects. The contralesional sides did not change. The FGA for the group significantly improved with an intermediate effect size (p < 0.001, z = -3.08, d = 1.617) and five individuals showed clinically relevant improvements. The ETGUG group value improved significantly with a strong effect size (p < 0.001, z = -2.67, d = 1.030), with seven individuals contributing to this change. The DHI showed no change (p = 0.172, z = -1.381, d = 0.592) neither on the group nor on the individuals' level. The game scores of the subjects improved during the intervention period of the intervention for every game. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that exergaming with promoted head turns facilitates vestibular compensation in some subjects with cPVH. This is the first study that shows an improvement in cumulative overt saccade amplitude after exergaming in chronic vestibular subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaap Swanenburg
- Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Research Center, Directorate of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Chiropractic Medicine, Integrative Spinal Research ISR, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabienne Büchi
- Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Research Center, Directorate of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Straumann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Konrad P Weber
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eling D de Bruin
- Department Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Swanenburg J, Wild K, Straumann D, de Bruin ED. Exergaming in a Moving Virtual World to Train Vestibular Functions and Gait; a Proof-of-Concept-Study With Older Adults. Front Physiol 2018; 9:988. [PMID: 30108511 PMCID: PMC6080593 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The use of Exergames designed to improve physical and cognitive functioning is relatively new in rehabilitation. Exergaming allows the training of skills, the handling of tools, and procedures; however, often, the potential of these aspects are not assessed before they are adopted in clinical settings. This study aimed at exploring the effects of exergaming on vestibular functions and gait in healthy community dwelling older adults using a proof-of-concept study design registered under ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03160352. Methods: A pre-test-post-test one-group study design comprising 10 older adults (mean age of 73.5 ± 7.6 years, four males) investigated the feasibility of eight exergaming training sessions (for 160 min) and the effects on dynamic visual acuity (DVA), functional gait assessment (FGA), and extended timed get-up-and-go (ETGUG). The simulator sickness questionnaire (SSQ) and the game scores were evaluated for the feasibility of the intervention. Wilcoxon test and Cohen's d (d) were chosen to test for differences and for effect size estimation. Results: Exergaming led to a significantly improved DVA (z = -2.50, p = 0.01, d = 1.35) with improvements in 9 out of 10 participants. In addition, the FGA significantly improved with a large effect size (z = -2.25, p = 0.02, d = 1.17). Specifically, component tasks such as walking with horizontal head turns (p = 0.03), gait with a narrow base of support (p = 0.03), ambulating backward (p = 0.05) significantly improved. The ETGUG component task Gait initiation significantly improved (p = 0.04). No change was found in gait speed and SSQ. The game scores of the participants improved continuously during the course of the intervention for every game. Discussion: This proof-of-concept study suggests that the use of exergaming that requires active stepping movements and that contains moving game projection is feasible and facilitates gaze stability during head movements in healthy community dwelling older adults. Aspects of functional gait and gait initiation also improved. Future research aimed at testing this exergaming intervention in patients suffering from vestibular impairments is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaap Swanenburg
- Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Research Center, Directorate of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Integrative Spinal Research (ISR), Department of Chiropractic Medicine, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karin Wild
- Department Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Straumann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eling D de Bruin
- Department Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lucieer F, Duijn S, Van Rompaey V, Pérez Fornos A, Guinand N, Guyot JP, Kingma H, van de Berg R. Full Spectrum of Reported Symptoms of Bilateral Vestibulopathy Needs Further Investigation-A Systematic Review. Front Neurol 2018; 9:352. [PMID: 29915554 PMCID: PMC5994412 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To systematically review the symptoms reported by patients with bilateral vestibulopathy (BV) in clinical studies and case reports. This would serve as the first step in establishing a validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) for BV. Methods A search on symptoms reported by patients with BV was performed in PubMed, and all publications covering these symptoms were included. Exclusion criteria comprised reviews and insufficient details about the frequency of occurrence of symptoms. Results 1,442 articles were retrieved. 88 studies were included (41 clinical studies, 47 case reports). In consensus, 68 descriptions of symptoms were classified into 6 common and generic symptoms. Frequency of symptoms in clinical studies and case reports were reviewed, respectively; imbalance (91 and 86%), chronic dizziness (58 and 62%), oscillopsia (50 and 70%), and recurrent vertigo (33 and 67%). BV could be accompanied by hearing loss (33 and 43%) and tinnitus (15 and 36%). 15 clinical studies and 10 case reports reported symptoms beyond vestibular and hearing deficits such as limited social activities, depression, concentration, and memory impairment and reduced quality of life in general. Conclusion The literature on BV symptomatology mainly focuses on classic symptoms such as imbalance and oscillopsia, while only few report additional symptoms such as cognitive memory impairment and performing dual tasks. In fact, none of the reviewed clinical studies and case reports provided a comprehensive overview of BV symptoms. To develop a validated PROM, qualitative research using semi-structured and unstructured interviews is needed to explore the full spectrum of BV symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florence Lucieer
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Stijn Duijn
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Vincent Van Rompaey
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Angelica Pérez Fornos
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nils Guinand
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jean Philippe Guyot
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Herman Kingma
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State Research University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Raymond van de Berg
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State Research University, Tomsk, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Swanenburg J, Bäbler E, Adelsberger R, Straumann D, de Bruin ED. Patients with chronic peripheral vestibular hypofunction compared to healthy subjects exhibit differences in gaze and gait behaviour when walking on stairs and ramps. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189037. [PMID: 29253883 PMCID: PMC5734743 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to compare gaze behaviour during stair and ramp walking between patients with chronic peripheral vestibular hypofunction and healthy human subjects. Methods Twenty four (24) patients with chronic peripheral vestibular hypofunction (14 unilateral and 10 bilateral) and 24 healthy subjects performed stair and ramp up and down walks at self-selected speed. The walks were repeated five times. A mobile eye tracker was used to record gaze behaviour (defined as time directed to pre-defined areas) and an insole measurement device assessed gait (speed, step time, step length). During each walk gaze behaviour relative to i) detection of first transition area “First TA”, ii) detection of steps of the mid-staircase area and the handrail “Structure”, iii) detection of second transition area “Second TA”, and iv) looking elsewhere “Elsewhere” was assessed and expressed as a percentage of the walk duration. For all variables, a one-way ANOVA followed by contrast tests was conducted. Results Patients looked significantly longer at the “Structure” (p<0.001) and “Elsewhere” (p<0.001) while walking upstairs compared to walking downstairs (p<0.013). Patients looked significantly longer at the “Structure” (p<0.001) and “Elsewhere” (p<0.001) while walking upstairs compared to walking downstairs (p<0.013). No differences between groups were observed for the transition areas with exception of stair ascending. Patients were also slower going downstairs (p = 0.002) and presented with an increased step time (p = 0.003). Patients were walking faster up the ramp (p = 0.014) with longer step length (p = 0.008) compared to walking down the ramp (p = 0.050) with shorter step length (p = 0.024). Conclusions Patients with chronic peripheral vestibular hypofunction differed in time directed to pre-defined areas during stair and ramp walking and looked longer at stair and ramp areas of interest during walking compared to healthy subjects. Patients did not differ in time directed to pre-defined areas during the stair-floor transition area while going downstairs, an area where accidents may frequently occur.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaap Swanenburg
- Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Research Center, Directorate of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Interdisciplinary Spinal Research ISR, Department of Chiropractic Medicine, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Edith Bäbler
- Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Research Center, Directorate of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Dominik Straumann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eling D. de Bruin
- Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|