Gaze and Stair Walking in Patients With Vestibular Dysfunction

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The aim of this study is to assess the differences in gaze and gait during the stair and ramp negotiation (+transition to normal level walking) between healthy controls and vestibular patients (fallers and non-fallers).

Detailed Description
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For a better understanding of falls in patients with vestibular disorders it might be important to identify the challenging environmental that provoke functional deficits; e.g. stair or ramp negotiation. The three steps at the ground and at the top of stairs is the most common location for missteps and stair accidents. This is supported by the observation made in a 12-month prospective study were 32% of the falls happened during the last step going down stairs in vestibular patients. It remains open if patient's vestibular dysfunctions have a different gaze or gait behavior than healthy individuals.

Official Title
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Gaze and Movement Behavior of Patients With Vestibular Dysfunction During Level Floor, Ramp, and Stair Walking

Conditions
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Vestibular Diseases

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: All included patients are diagnosed with single or two-sided vestibular dysfunction. Adult male and female participant's (≥18 years) Signed informed consent after being informed Exclusion Criteria: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo Acute pain Walking disability (independent walking distance <10 meters) Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease (e.g.: uncontrolled blood pressure) Gait problems caused by Hip or knee endoprothesis Weakness due to neurological problems Known or suspected non-compliance Contraindications on ethical grounds

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Gaze | A mobile eye tracker (Dikablis Professional Glasses, Ergoneers Inc., Manching, Germany) was used to record gaze during the stairs and ramp negotiation. | 30 minutes | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Gait | The recording gait system is a pair of inlay soles with sensors. The sensors sampled the force distribution beneath the subjects' feet. The inlay soles are recording acceleration, rotation rates and magnetic field readings, each in 3 dimensions. | 30 minutes | 
| Fall Calendar | A fall-Calendar with questions will be used to assess falls. These questions will be placed on each page of a 12 month calendar. The fall calendar pages also contain questions about the circumstances surrounding falls, including the day time, lighting situation, fall location, activity performed, injuries and whether medical assistance was needed. As soon as possible after the fall the fallers have to fill in the date of the fall, its cause, and fall-related injuries. At the end of each month, a calendar page should be sent by each patient to the investigators. | one year |