Brazilian Version of the Vestibular Activities and Participation Measure: Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Validity, and Reliability.

BACKGROUND: Vestibular Activities and Participation Measure (VAP) subscales assess the effect of vestibular disorders on activity and participation. This study aimed to perform the cross-cultural adaptation and assess the validity, internal consistency, reliability, and measurement error of the Brazilian version of VAP subscales. METHODS: The cross-cultural adaptation followed the translation, synthesis, back-translation, review by a committee of experts, and pretesting phases. Structural validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), while Spearman's correlation between VAP subscales and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) was used to assess construct validity. Cronbach's alpha measured internal consistency. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) assessed intra- and inter-rater reliability, and measurement error was calculated by using the standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC). RESULTS: Additional information was included in the Brazilian version of the Vestibular Activities and Participation measure (VAP-BR) after approval by one of the developers of the instrument to improve the understanding among individuals. One factor was found in the EFA for each subscale with 50% explained variance. Regarding CFA, the subscales 1 (S1) and 2 (S2) presented, respectively, adequate model fit indices (ie, comparative fit index of 0.99 and 0.97, and standardized root mean square residual of 0.04 for both subscales), but a very low factor load in item 6 of S1 (0.08). Chronbach's alpha was 0.80 (S1) and 0.82 (S2). For intra-rater assessment, the S1 and S2 presented an ICC of 0.87 and 0.90, SEM of 0.01 and 1.16, and MDC of 0.39 and 0.46, respectively. When assessed by 2 different raters, SEM values were 1.03 and 1.53, and MDC values were 2.85 and 4.23 for S1 and S2, respectively; both subscales showed an ICC of 0.92. Correlations between DHI and VAP subscales presented coefficients above 0.57. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of VAP subscales presents good measurement properties and may assist health professionals in identifying activity limitations and participation restrictions in individuals with vestibular disorders.

Validated argentine version of the visual vertigo analogue scale.

BACKGROUND: Visual vertigo (VV), triggered by environmental or dynamic visual stimuli and repetitive visual patterns, can affect daily life activities. The Visual Vertigo Analogue Scale (VVAS) is a valid and reliable self-administered questionnaire to assess VV, which has been culturally adapted to the Argentine population but has not been validated. OBJECTIVE: To validate the Argentine version of VVAS (VVAS-A) by confirming its psychometric properties in patients with vestibular disorders. METHODS: Vestibular patients (n = 82) completed the VVAS-A and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory Argentine version (DHI-A) during their initial visit and one week later. The VVAS-A's internal consistency, test retest reliability, ceiling and floor effects, and construct validity were determined. Test-retest data (n = 71) was used to calculate reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 2.1). RESULTS: A ceiling effect was observed in 12 patients (14.6%). Internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach's alpha: 0.91). The reliability was r = 0.764 [CI 95%: 0.7 -0.86]). Correlations were observed between the VVAS-A and the total DHI-A score (rho = 0.571), the DHI-A physical subscale (rho: 0.578), and DHI-A functional and emotional subscales of the DHI-A (rho: 0.537 and 0.387, respectively). CONCLUSION: The VVA-A is a valid, reliable tool to evaluate VV in patients with vestibular disorders.

Stabilization exercises combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation for patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: One proposed mechanism of chronic low back pain might be paraspinal muscle impairment. Commonly, this impairment is treated with stabilization exercises. However, the effect size of stabilization exercises has been previously reported to be small. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical benefit of using neuromuscular electrical stimulation as a supplement to stabilization exercises in patients with chronic low back pain. METHODS: Thirty participants with chronic low back pain were randomized into a stabilization exercise only group (n=15) or a stabilization exercise plus neuromuscular electrical stimulation group (n=15). The stabilization exercises included abdominal, side support, and quadruped exercises. The neuromuscular electrical stimulation was applied to the lumbar paraspinal muscles for 20min each session. Both groups received their respective interventions twice a week for 6 weeks. Participant eligibility for inclusion was age between 18 and 60 years, body mass index ≤34, chronic low back pain ≥3 months, Numeric Pain Rating Scale ≥3, Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire score ≥20 and ability to understand English. Outcome measurements were self-reported neuromuscular electrical stimulation tolerability scale, Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire and paraspinal muscle strength. RESULTS: The neuromuscular electrical stimulation was reported to be tolerable. There were no significant between-group differences on any of the outcome measures (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on the paraspinal muscles was reported to be tolerable. Supplementing stabilization exercises with neuromuscular electrical stimulation did not offer any additional clinical benefit for the chronic low back pain patients.

The Gaze Stabilization Test Following Concussion.

BACKGROUND: Concussion can cause vestibular dysfunction and oculomotor abnormalities which can lead to dizziness and protracted recovery time. There are few clinically useful, functional measures of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) post-concussion. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the gaze stabilization test (GST) in those referred for vestibular physical therapy following concussion, to determine the association between GST and other measures of recovery following concussion, and to examine the effect of demographic variables on GST performance. RESEARCH DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. STUDY SAMPLE: One hundred fifty-eight individuals who sustained a concussion and were referred to vestibular physical therapy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Horizontal and vertical GST scores (HGST and VGST), neurocognitive testing results, and demographic data were extracted retrospectively from the patient health record. Correlations between GST velocity and neurocognitive test results and between GST and patient-reported outcomes were examined. Differences in GST performance among patient subgroups were examined using one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: Subjects included individuals aged 12 to 43 years (mean = 20, standard deviation [SD] = 7), with most having sport-related concussion (67%). The mean time from injury to GST was 215 days (SD = 241) and the mean time from physical therapy evaluation to GST was 48 days (SD = 54). HGST and VGST had a weak positive correlation to the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (r = 0.20, r = 0.21) and weak negative correlation to the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (r = -0.18, r = -0.22). HGST had a weak positive correlation to the visual motor processing speed domain of the immediate post-concussion assessment and cognitive test (r = 0.20). Male patients achieved significantly higher velocities than female patients on HGST and VGST (p = 0.02, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The present study details the use of GST in patients with concussion and demonstrates an association with common outcome measures in vestibular rehabilitation. Results indicate that patients who achieved higher velocities on GST perceived lower handicap due to dizziness and had higher confidence in their balance. GST may be a relevant test of VOR in this population, as it is a more functional test of the VOR required for sports. Future work is needed to further evaluate the role of GST in concussion management.

Tumarkin-like phenomenon as a sign of therapeutic success in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

OBJECTIVES: To describe an unusual patient reaction to maneuvers used in the treatment of posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (PC-BPPV) that we termed the "Tumarkin-like phenomenon". METHODS: At a private practice, 221 outpatients were diagnosed and treated for PC-BPPV. The treatment consisted of performing the Epley or Semont maneuvers. At the end of these maneuvers, when assuming the sitting position, the patients' reactions were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients showed a Tumarkin-like phenomenon described by a self-reported sensation of suddenly being thrown to the ground. In the follow-up, this group of patients remained without PC-BPPV symptoms up to at least 72 hours after the maneuvers. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of a Tumarkin-like phenomenon at the end of Epley and Semont maneuvers for PC-BPPV may be linked with treatment success.

Tumarkin-like phenomenon as a sign of therapeutic success in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo / Fenômeno Tumarkin-like como sinal de sucesso terapêutico na vertigem posicional paroxística benigna

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe an unusual patient reaction to maneuvers used in the treatment of posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (PC-BPPV) that we termed the "Tumarkin-like phenomenon". Methods: At a private practice, 221 outpatients were diagnosed and treated for PC-BPPV. The treatment consisted of performing the Epley or Semont maneuvers. At the end of these maneuvers, when assuming the sitting position, the patients' reactions were recorded. Results: Thirty-three patients showed a Tumarkin-like phenomenon described by a self-reported sensation of suddenly being thrown to the ground. In the follow-up, this group of patients remained without PC-BPPV symptoms up to at least 72 hours after the maneuvers. Conclusion: The occurrence of a Tumarkin-like phenomenon at the end of Epley and Semont maneuvers for PC-BPPV may be linked with treatment success.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever uma reação incomum dos pacientes às manobras utilizadas no tratamento da vertigem posicional paroxística benigna do canal posterior (VPPB-CP), a qual denominamos de fenômeno Tumarkin-like. Métodos: Em uma clínica privada, 221 pacientes ambulatoriais foram diagnosticados e tratados para VPPB-CP. O tratamento consistiu em realizar as manobras de Epley ou de Semont. Ao término da manobra, ao serem colocados na posição sentado, as reações dos pacientes foram filmadas. Resultados: Trinta e três pacientes apresentaram o fenômeno de Tumarkin-like, descrito como uma sensação súbita de ser jogado no chão. O acompanhamento mostrou que todos eles permaneceram sem sintomas de VPPB até pelo menos 72 horas após as manobras. Conclusão: A ocorrência do fenômeno Tumarkin-like no final das manobras de Epley e Semont para VPPB-CP pode estar associado ao sucesso terapêutico.