title: Environmental factors that affect the Fukuda stepping test in normal participants.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Fukuda stepping test is commonly used to assess peripheral vestibular function. It has, however, been suggested that its maximal sensitivity and specificity are 70 per cent and 50 per cent, respectively. This study was undertaken to evaluate environmental factors that may influence the reliability of this assessment and hence to 'sharpen' its use in a clinical setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-four participants aged between 20 and 43 years were asked to perform the Fukuda stepping test in both a standard clinic room and a soundproofed room under the following conditions in a randomised order: on the floor versus on foam; with and without a sound-localising source; and with and without ear defenders.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant differences in the extent of rotation were found when comparing the results obtained in several settings, including standing on the floor in a standard room versus a soundproofed room (p = 0.036), and standing on foam in a standard room versus a soundproofed room (p = 0.015).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggest that certain alterations to the test environment may improve the sensitivity of this clinical examination.
authors: Guy's, King's and St Thomas' School of Medicine,London,UK.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Munnings
authors: Guy's, King's and St Thomas' School of Medicine,London,UK.
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Chisnall
authors: Guy's, King's and St Thomas' School of Medicine,London,UK.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Oji
authors: ENT Department,Medway NHS Foundation Trust,Kent,UK.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Whittaker
authors: ENT Department,Medway NHS Foundation Trust,Kent,UK.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Kanegaonkar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004430:Ear Protective Devices; D004777:Environment; D006801:Humans; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013017:Sound Localization; D014724:Vestibular Function Tests / Q000379:methods*; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Labyrinth; Physical Examination; Postural Balance; Vertigo; Vestibule