Making INformed Decisions in Gaze and Postural Stability (MINDGAPS): A Novel System for Improving Personalized Care and Patient Adherence in Vestibular Rehabilitation
University of Montana
Summary
The proposed research is relevant to vestibular science and the general public because age-related vestibular hypofunction is a major contributor to poor balance, falls, and other adverse health outcomes. In this investigation the investigators will: 1) assess the preliminary efficacy of a novel intervention system for improving vestibular function and dizziness in community-dwelling older adults, 2) assess the safety and feasibility of the this system, and 3) assess the acceptability and implementation potential of this system, prior to a large-scale, R01-level investigation.
Description
Deficits in gaze and postural stability are closely linked with vestibular hypofunction. These deficits result in dizziness and poor balance, increasing the risk for falls and other poor health outcomes. Vestibular hypofunction occurs with several conditions and is increasingly prevalent with advancing age. An estimated 85% of people over the age of 80 experience vestibular hypofunction. As with many age-related health challenges (e.g. sarcopenia, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease), exercise is widely recommended to remediate the effects of vestibular hypofunction. Vestibular rehabilitation…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 40+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Reports issues with dizziness or imbalance * Ability to stand independently * Presence of peripheral vestibular hypofunction as indicated by examination with video nystagmography, video head impulse testing, or dynamic visual acuity testing. Exclusion Criteria: * cervical spine disorders * vertebral or carotid artery dissection * blindness * peripheral or central oculomotor palsy * centrally mediated vestibular dysfunction
Interventions
- BehavioralMINDGAPS
Utilize wearable sensor technology to provide simple, precise measures of gaze and postural stability, as well as remote monitoring of patient adherence to vestibular exercises during a 6-week training period. Additionally, NIH Toolbox data will be used to display patient status compared to normative values and to indicate progress over time relative to measurement error.
Location
- University of MontanaMissoula, Montana