paper
2020
Swanenburg et al.
Frontiers in Neurology
Top Paper
Senso-Study
Exergaming with integrated head turn task improves compensatory saccade pattern in some patients with chronic peripheral unilateral vestibular hypofunction
The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of exergame training with the Senso in vestibular rehabilitation. The effectiveness of training with the Senso on vestibular functions and gait pattern of patients with chronic peripheral vestibular hypofunction (cPVH) was investigated. Twelve patients were included in the study. The study participants performed eight training sessions (twice per week for four weeks) with the Senso. Each training session lasted 22 minutes and included four training games: "Simple," "Targets," "Flexi," and "Snake." The games were projected on a white wall using a beamer. What was special about this training was that this projection moved during the training session (up/down or to the right/left side). Thus, the study participants were forced to turn their heads while maintaining their body position. In addition, the study participants sometimes stood (for one game per training session) not frontal to the wall with the game projection but rotated 90°, which in turn required head rotations while maintaining a stable body position. The results showed an improvement in vestibular functions (vestibular compensation in terms of smaller saccade amplitude) in the patients with cPVH. Furthermore, there was an improvement in walking (e.g. walking with additional head rotation).