Investigating the Effectiveness of Vestibular rehabilitation therapist in instructing the vestibulo-ocular reflex X1 exercise
Location
Lions Eye Center
Document Type
Abstract
Start Date
7-4-2025 3:10 PM
End Date
7-4-2025 3:25 PM
Description
Introduction: Gaze instability due to Vestibular Ocular Reflex (VOR) dysfunction is a disabling in patients with acute vestibular dysfunction. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapists (VRTs) prescribe VOR exercises to enhance gaze stability by promoting central vestibular adaptation. However, effectiveness depends on proper execution, which is compromised by non-standardized VRT training. No prior research has assessed physical therapists' ability to instruct individuals with vestibular dysfunction (lwVD) in VOR exercises. This study evaluates the effectiveness of VRTs in instructing the VOR x 1 exercise.
Methods:An electronic survey was conducted among VRTs in Louisiana, Wisconsin, Oregon, and Connecticut. The survey assessed instruction techniques for VOR x 1 exercise in subacute unilateral vestibular hypofunction. Responses were analyzed for frequency, with a post-hoc analysis pending.
Results:Twenty-nine VRTs p~rticipated, primarily Physical Therapists (N=27) with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (N=26) and an average of 9.00 ± 5.59 years of experience. While 93.1 % correctly identified the VOR x 1 technique, critical components were inconsistently recognized: target contrast (44.83%), target appearance (51. 72%), and head speed (44.83%). Variability existed in target distance (6 inches: 6.9%, arm's length: 72.41 %, 3-5 feet: 24.1 %) and head movement amplitude (S15°: 6.9%, 16-30°: 34.5%, 31-45°: 31.0%). Most VRTs used verbal instruction (82.8%) and return demonstration.
Discussion & Clinical lmplications: lnconsistent VRT training leads to variability in VOR x 1 instruction, potentially limiting vestibular adaptation and leaving patients with gaze instability. Standardized VRT training, continued education requirements, and specialization are recommended to ensure proper instruction and improve patient outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Schouest, Elizabeth; Hauth, Ethan; Dugas, Caleb; Gerrets, Amanda; and Goff, Lauryn, "Investigating the Effectiveness of Vestibular rehabilitation therapist in instructing the vestibulo-ocular reflex X1 exercise" (2025). School of Allied Health Professions Research Day. 3.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2025/presentations/3
Investigating the Effectiveness of Vestibular rehabilitation therapist in instructing the vestibulo-ocular reflex X1 exercise
Lions Eye Center
Introduction: Gaze instability due to Vestibular Ocular Reflex (VOR) dysfunction is a disabling in patients with acute vestibular dysfunction. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapists (VRTs) prescribe VOR exercises to enhance gaze stability by promoting central vestibular adaptation. However, effectiveness depends on proper execution, which is compromised by non-standardized VRT training. No prior research has assessed physical therapists' ability to instruct individuals with vestibular dysfunction (lwVD) in VOR exercises. This study evaluates the effectiveness of VRTs in instructing the VOR x 1 exercise.
Methods:An electronic survey was conducted among VRTs in Louisiana, Wisconsin, Oregon, and Connecticut. The survey assessed instruction techniques for VOR x 1 exercise in subacute unilateral vestibular hypofunction. Responses were analyzed for frequency, with a post-hoc analysis pending.
Results:Twenty-nine VRTs p~rticipated, primarily Physical Therapists (N=27) with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (N=26) and an average of 9.00 ± 5.59 years of experience. While 93.1 % correctly identified the VOR x 1 technique, critical components were inconsistently recognized: target contrast (44.83%), target appearance (51. 72%), and head speed (44.83%). Variability existed in target distance (6 inches: 6.9%, arm's length: 72.41 %, 3-5 feet: 24.1 %) and head movement amplitude (S15°: 6.9%, 16-30°: 34.5%, 31-45°: 31.0%). Most VRTs used verbal instruction (82.8%) and return demonstration.
Discussion & Clinical lmplications: lnconsistent VRT training leads to variability in VOR x 1 instruction, potentially limiting vestibular adaptation and leaving patients with gaze instability. Standardized VRT training, continued education requirements, and specialization are recommended to ensure proper instruction and improve patient outcomes.