Document Type
Research Article
Academic Discipline
Athletic Training
Abstract
Context: Identification of rehabilitation exercises to decrease symptomology in a patient with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is necessary for enhancing quality of life. Various vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) rehabilitation exercises can help patients adapt to balance problems. Currently, no researcher has utilized the VSR™ Sport and inVision™ systems by NeuroCom® for rehabilitation among patients with MS.
Objective: The purpose of the study was to create a rehabilitation protocol incorporating VOR and balance exercises to decrease visual deficits and improve stability in a patient with MS. This study will examine the effects of rehabilitation and determine if scores improve from baseline testing.
Design: Original Quantitative Research
Setting: Sacred Heart University Doctor’s office
Patient: 40-year-old male with relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis (Height: 175.25 cm, Weight: 72.5 kg)
Interventions: One-hour VOR and balance rehabilitation sessions three days per week, for six weeks. The subject was baseline and post-tested using the VSR™ Sport and inVision™ systems by NeuroCom®.
Main Outcome Measures: Data were collected using VSR™ Sport and inVision™ systems by NeuroCom®. Baseline and post-test scores were compared and percent changes were calculated via Microsoft Excel.
Results: There was an overall improvement in scores for VOR and balance from pre- to post-tests. GST L increased by 60 percent from 98 to 157 deg/s, DVA L improved by 80 percent from 0.3 to 0.06 logMAR. LOS Mvmt Velocity L increased by 96% from 2.4 to 4.7 deg/s. SET sway velocity improved by 55 percent from 6.9 to 3.1 deg/s.
Conclusions: The six-week rehabilitation protocol using the NeuroCom® systems was effective in improving the subject’s balance and VOR scores. A decrease in symptoms can improve the quality of life for a patient with MS.
Recommended Citation
Hunt, Natalie and Jennifer Kiggins. "Will Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex and Balance Rehabilitation Reduce Visual Deficits & Improve Stability of a Patient with Multiple Sclerosis?" Sacred Heart University Scholar 1, no. 1 (Fall 2017): 39-47. Available at: http://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/shuscholar/vol1/iss1/5/