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).
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.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
48
University Hospital Zurich, Directorate of Research and Education, Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy Research
Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland
Gaze
A mobile eye tracker (Dikablis Professional Glasses, Ergoneers Inc., Manching, Germany) was used to record gaze during the stairs and ramp negotiation.
Time frame: 30 minutes
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.
Time frame: 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.
Time frame: one year
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