Publication | Closed Access
Vestibular evoked potentials in human neck muscles before and after unilateral vestibular deafferentation
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1992
Year
Gait AnalysisPhysical ActivityStatic Visual CluesHuman Neck MusclesNeurotologyMotor ControlPeripheral Vestibular SystemSocial SciencesCentral Vestibular SystemKinesiologyExerciseHealth SciencesVestibular SystemChronic Airflow ObstructionRehabilitationNervous SystemUnilateral Vestibular DeafferentationNeurophysiologyNeuroanatomyPathological GaitElectrophysiologyNeuroscienceCentral Nervous SystemHuman MovementWalkingSpirometric Measurements
Placebo groups or randomized crossover designs are essential when using walking tests in clinical trials. The study examined reproducibility and order effects of repeated walking tests, correlations between walking distance and spirometric measurements, and the impact of static visual cues in 36 patients with chronic airflow obstruction. Repeated walking tests revealed a learning effect, with walking distance increasing 33 % over three days and 8.5 % over four weeks, while static visual cues had no influence; spirometric measures correlated weakly with distance and did not predict performance, highlighting the need to account for learning effects in treatment interpretation.
Thirty six patients with chronic airflow obstruction were studied to examine (1) the reproducibility and order effect of repeated walking tests when performed over consecutive days or consecutive weeks; (2) the correlation between walking distance and spirometric measurements; and (3) the effect of static visual clues on performance. In study 1, where 12 patients performed 12 walks over three consecutive days, five minute walking distance increased by 33% between walks 1 and 12, half of the increase occurring after the first three walks. In study 2, where 24 patients performed 12 walks over four consecutive weeks, five minute walking distance increased by 8.5% between walks 1 and 12. A learning effect was seen over the first nine walks. Static visual clues to performance did not affect the distance walked. Spirometric measurements showed no order effect in either study. Although walking distance correlated significantly with FEV1, forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow, these measurements were poor predictors of exercise performance. The learning effects seen on repeated performance of walking tests over short intervals should be considered when an individual9s response to treatment is being interpreted. When walking tests are used in clinical trials a placebo group or randomised crossover design is essential.