[Computerized modification of Fukuda test].
OBJECTIVE
To study a new method to apply to Fukuda test in order to overcome the interpretational difficulty associated with a subjective evaluation of the exam.


METHODS
During the exam, the patient wears a specially-designed headpiece, with a band at the back fitted with a sensor accommodating both a gyroscope and a bi-axial accelerometer. When asked to step in place, he does so in the Romberg position, eyes closed, successively rotating his head to the right and to the left.


RESULTS
On analyzing the data obtained through the laterality variable (right/left oscillation) and time variable, it resulted that the difference between the averages referring to the laterality variable of right-handed and left-handed subjects was statistically significant (P = 0.001), while the difference between the averages of the time variable was not.


CONCLUSIONS
To be able to propose an evaluation of the clinical validity of the test, further research must be carried out on pathological subjects, thus verifying the applicability of the method to the full.
Mora
E
E
Clinica ORL, Ospedale San Martino, Università di Genova.
Mora
R
R
Passali
G C
GC
Chiarlone
M
M
Bernardini
A
A
Mora
F
F
Casale
S
S
Cordone
M P
MP
Barbieri
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology; D001330:Electronic Data Processing; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D012399:Rotation