title: Efficacy of a computerized sensor system for evaluation and training of dizzy patients.
abstract: Patients with vestibular hypofunction often experience dizziness and unsteadiness while moving their heads. Appropriate sensors can effectively detect a patient's dynamic visual acuity and associated body balance control. Forty-one vestibular-deficit patients and 10 normal individuals were invited to participate in this study. Questionnaires, clinical assessment scales and objective measures were evaluated on participants' first visits. After 12 sessions of training, all scales were evaluated again on vestibular-deficit patients. The computerized system was composed of sensors, including a gyro and strain gauges, data acquisition accessories and LabVIEW software. Results revealed that the system could effectively distinguish normal subjects from subjects with vestibular deficits. In addition, after a rehabilitation program, subjects' subjective and objective performances were significantly improved. Based on our results, we concluded that the present system, which uses a gyro and strain gauges, may provide an effective method for assessing and treating vestibular-deficit patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201 Shih-Pai, Road, Section 2, 11217, Taipei, Taiwan. clkao@vghtpe.gov.tw
authors.forename: Chung-Lan
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Kao
authors.forename: Wan-Ling
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Hsieh
authors.forename: Shuu-Jiun
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Shih-Jen
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Shun-Hwa
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.forename: Rai-Chi
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Chan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D004244:Dizziness / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D019416:Head Movements; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000503:physiopathology