This study investigated postural performances and vestibular impairment in Usher patients. The three groups studied were: 11 patients with Usher type I (with visual and vestibular impairment), 14 patients with Usher type II (with only visual impairment), and 14 healthy control subjects. Postural stability was measured with a Framiral Multitest Equilibre platform with three visual conditions: eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC), and vision disturbed by optokinetic stimulation (OPT), and two different postural conditions: stable or unstable platform. The surface and mean velocity of the center of pressure displacement (CoP) were measured and a postural instability index (PII) was calculated. Usher type I and II patients were more unstable than control subjects, but only for the unstable platform. Patients with Usher type I (with severe vestibular impairment) were also significantly more unstable than patients with Usher type II (with normal vestibular function) on the unstable platform. The severity of the vestibular impairment was correlated with the surface of the CoP displacement. We suggest that poor postural control of Usher patients is due to the abnormalities in their visual and, when defective, vestibular inputs. Measurements of postural stability on an unstable platform can distinguish type I from type II Usher patients. We emphasize the importance of multisensory evaluation in these patients to guide development of personalized visuo-vestibular rehabilitation techniques to improve their postural stability and improve their quality of life.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.