Interactive wiimote gaze stabilization exercise training system for patients with vestibular hypofunction

Abstract

BackgroundPeripheral vestibular hypofunction is a major cause of dizziness. When complicated with postural imbalance, this condition can lead to an increased incidence of falls. In traditional clinical practice, gaze stabilization exercise is commonly used to rehabilitate patients. In this study, we established a computer-aided vestibular rehabilitation system by coupling infrared LEDs to an infrared receiver. This system enabled the subjects’ head-turning actions to be quantified, and the training was performed using vestibular exercise combined with computer games and interactive video games that simulate daily life activities.MethodsThree unilateral and one bilateral vestibular hypofunction patients volunteered to participate in this study. The participants received 30 minutes of computer-aided vestibular rehabilitation training 2 days per week for 6 weeks. Pre-training and post-training assessments were completed, and a follow-up assessment was completed 1 month after the end of the training period.ResultsAfter 6 weeks of training, significant improvements in balance and dynamic visual acuity (DVA) were observed in the four participants. Self-reports of dizziness, anxiety and depressed mood all decreased significantly. Significant improvements in self-confidence and physical performance were also observed. The effectiveness of this training was maintained for at least 1 month after the end of the training period.ConclusionReal-time monitoring of training performance can be achieved using this rehabilitation platform. Patients demonstrated a reduction in dizziness symptoms after 6 weeks of training with this short-term interactive game approach. This treatment paradigm also improved the patients’ balance function. This system could provide a convenient, safe and affordable treatment option for clinical practitioners.

Exercise suppresses COX-2 pro-inflammatory pathway in vestibular migraine

“…The training consisted of low-impact exercise. The training course and the clinical assessment used to evaluate dizziness severity have been previously described [4,21].…”

The Use of Computer-Assisted Home Exercises to Preserve Physical Function after a Vestibular Rehabilitation Program: A Randomized Controlled Study

“…Dizziness is characterized by postural instability, disequilibrium, and poor spatial orientation [ 1 ]. It is a problem in the elderly population, with a reported prevalence of 11% to 39% and a significant increase with age [ 1 – 3 ].…”

“…Dizziness is characterized by postural instability, disequilibrium, and poor spatial orientation [ 1 ]. It is a problem in the elderly population, with a reported prevalence of 11% to 39% and a significant increase with age [ 1 – 3 ]. Improvement following vestibular rehabilitation (VR) is well documented regardless of age or gender, and VR is an effective intervention in people with chronic vestibular disorders [ 4 – 6 ].…”

A technology probe of wearable in-home computer-assisted physical therapy

“…Prior work on quantifying exercise performances focused on movement metrics such as velocity, frequency (repetitions per second) and range of motion [7,18]. Similar metrics were sought by the PTs in our study.…”