Quantification of Head Acceleration during Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises

Abstract

Purpose:

Vestibular rehabilitation exercises have been proven to reduce symptoms and diminish the risk of falls in those with dizziness and balance impairments. The first purpose of this study is to investigate a new method of measuring head movements during habituation vestibular rehabilitation exercises. The second is to explore the relationship between head acceleration measurements during select traditional vestibular rehabilitation exercises and the variables of age, dizziness, and poor balance confidence.

Research Design:

A descriptive, cross-sectional study, in a university setting.

Study Sample:

Fifty-two participants, ranging in age from 20 to 96 yr. All were volunteers, with the majority (34) reporting no history of dizziness or balance confidence.

Data Collection:

Head accelerations were calculated from linear and angular displacements as measured by magnetometry.

Results:

Head accelerations decreased with increasing age, dizziness, and low balance confidence during four habituation exercises.

Conclusions:

Head acceleration varies as a function of age, dizziness, and low balance confidence during head movement–based vestibular and balance rehabilitation therapy (habituation) exercises. The magnetometry measurement method used could be applied across the course of treatment to establish predictive measures based on change in acceleration over time. More diverse participant sampling is needed to create normative data.

Key Words

acceleration - balance confidence - dizziness - habituation - magnetometry - vestibular rehabilitation - vestibular stimulation

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