M Bonanni1, R Newton. 1. Department of Physical Therapy, Mediplex Rehab-Camden, New Jersey, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although the Fukuda Stepping Test (FST) is commonly used to assess individuals with peripheral vestibular dysfunction or balance instability, test-retest reliability has not been examined. METHODS: Sixteen males and 14 females, ranging in age from 23 to 56 years (mean 32.8 years), with no known vestibular dysfunction were tested. The subjects stood in the center of two concentric circles with eyes blindfolded. They stepped in place with outstretched arms for the prescribed number of steps. Subjects were tested on two consecutive days. Their angle of rotation, angle of displacement and distance of displacement were measured. RESULTS: Inter-class correlation coefficients were moderate for the 50-step protocol but lower for the 100-step protocol. CONCLUSIONS: If practitioners use the FST they should use the 50-step protocol. In addition, practitioners should interpret the results of the FST with caution if it is used as a screening tool. The test should be used in conjunction with other tests for vestibular function.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although the Fukuda Stepping Test (FST) is commonly used to assess individuals with peripheral vestibular dysfunction or balance instability, test-retest reliability has not been examined. METHODS: Sixteen males and 14 females, ranging in age from 23 to 56 years (mean 32.8 years), with no known vestibular dysfunction were tested. The subjects stood in the center of two concentric circles with eyes blindfolded. They stepped in place with outstretched arms for the prescribed number of steps. Subjects were tested on two consecutive days. Their angle of rotation, angle of displacement and distance of displacement were measured. RESULTS: Inter-class correlation coefficients were moderate for the 50-step protocol but lower for the 100-step protocol. CONCLUSIONS: If practitioners use the FST they should use the 50-step protocol. In addition, practitioners should interpret the results of the FST with caution if it is used as a screening tool. The test should be used in conjunction with other tests for vestibular function.
Authors: Helen S Cohen; Haleh Sangi-Haghpeykar; Natalia A Ricci; June Kampangkaew; Robert A Williamson Journal: Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg Date: 2014-03-24 Impact factor: 3.497
Authors: Ivana Beatrice Manica da Cruz; Daniele Coronel Mena Barreto; Andressa Boer Fronza; Ivo Emilio da Cruz Jung; Cristina Costa Krewer; Maria Izabel de Ugalde Marques da Rocha; Aron Ferreira da Silveira Journal: Braz J Otorhinolaryngol Date: 2010 May-Jun