The effect of vestibular stimulation on postural control in people with bilateral vestibulopathy

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Bilateral vestibulopathy; Ear - Other ear disorders; Neurological - Other neurological disorders; Physical Medicine / Rehabilitation - Physiotherapy

• Registration Number: ACTRN12623000444684
• Lead Sponsor: Auckland University of Technology

Brief Summary

Not available

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2023-05-01
• Last Update Posted: 19 August 2024

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: Recruiting
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 31

Inclusion Criteria

a.Probable diagnosis of Bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) (determined by a neurologist, ENT consultant, GP, audiologist or specialist vestibular clinic).
b.Self-reported unsteadiness when walking
plus either
•oscillopsia during walking or quick head/body movements or
•worsening of balance in darkness or on uneven ground.
c.No symptoms when sitting or lying under static conditions (self-reported)
d.Aged between 18 and 80 years

After consent participants will undertake a vestibular assessment to ensure they meet the clinical criteria for BVP of

Bilaterally reduced vestibular function indicated by either
a.Horizontal angular VOR gain (<0.8) measured by video Head Impulse Testing or
b.Reduced caloric response (sum of bithermal maximal peak slow phase velocity on each side <6 degrees per second).
Participants who do not meet the clinical criteria for BVP will finish the study here.

Exclusion Criteria

Participants will be excluded from the study if they have:
a. They have any evidence of CNS involvement including hereditary ataxias or brain stem/ cerebellar abnormalities, or any central eye movement abnormalities or previously diagnosed neurological condition. (Participants will be screened by staff at the clinics they are recruited via).
b.Unable to stand independently for 5 minutes or ambulate for 10m without aid
c.Individuals who are medically required to restrict their head movement
d.Metal implants in the head or neck such as cochlea implants, clips, coilings, shunts or endoprosthesis
e.Pacemaker or implanted defibrillator
f.Previous open skull surgery or trepanation
g.Broken skin in the region of electrode placement

Study & Design

• Study Type: Interventional
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Assessment of Gait stability- coefficient of variance of step width (CV step width) as measured by 3D gait analysis (Optitrack flex-13)[ Pre-commencement and post-completion of treatment block 1<br>Pre-commencement and post-completion of treatment block 2<br>3 month follow-up post-completion of treatment block 2];Assessment of Standing postural control: mean centre of pressure velocity as measured by VALD portable forceplate[ Pre-commencement and post-completion of treatment block 1<br>Pre-commencement and post-completion of treatment block 2<br>3 month follow-up post-completion of treatment block 2]