The gaze stabilization test (GST) is a computerized test of the vestibulo-ocular reflex that reports maximum head velocity while maintaining fixed visual acuity. The GST thus assesses the vestibulo-ocular reflex differently from the dynamic visual acuity test (DVAT). The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability, stability, and validity of the GST in a healthy young and older population. Forty subjects (20 older adults with mean (SD) age of 76.3 (5.3) and 20 young controls with mean (SD) age of 25.2 (3.2)) performed the GST and DVAT assessments. The version of the GST used in this study has a tunneled mirror system to ensure a consistent participant distance of 4 m from the computer screen. All subjects repeated trials within 30 minutes of initial testing. Twenty subjects (10 from each age group) returned 7–10 days later to repeat the GST and DVAT assessments. Vestibular symptoms were assessed before and after GST and DVAT assessments. The mean (SD) GST scores for the older group were 123 (33) deg/s in the yaw plane and 108 (27) deg/s in the pitch plane. For the young group, mean (SD) GST scores were 157 (34) deg/s in the yaw plane and 141(25) deg/s in the pitch plane. There was a significant between-group difference for GST scores in both yaw and pitch planes (p< 0.01). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for GST scores performed on the same day was 0.75 in the yaw plane and 0.69 in the pitch plane. The ICC including the 20 subjects who repeated the GST within 7–10 days was 0.59 in the yaw plane and 0.54 in the pitch plane. In general, GST was more stable than DVAT. GST was more stable in younger vs. older subjects whereas DVAT was more stable in older vs. younger subjects. Concurrent validity, determined by Spearman correlation coefficients between GST and DVAT loss results were −0.62 in the yaw plane and −0.38 in the pitch plane (p< 0.02). These results suggest that the gaze stabilization test (GST) has good same-day test-retest reliability and stability in healthy young and older adults. The moderate correlation between same-day GST and DVAT loss scores suggest the two tests may be measuring similar, but different constructs.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the test-retest reliability and response stability of the Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA) and Gaze Stabilization Test (GST) in patients with vestibular disorders. Twenty-nine patients with vestibular disease (16–78 years) participated. Subjects performed the GST and DVA in pitch and yaw planes, twice in one session and once after 7–10 days. The GST output is the maximum head velocity at which the patient was able to identify orientation of the letter E. The DVA output is the change in visual acuity when moving the head compared to static acuity. Subjects indicated their level of dizziness and visual blurring using a visual analog scale. Within- and between-sessions intraclass correlation coefficients ranged between 0–0.5 for the DVA and GST measures, with better correlations for within-session assessments. Response stability (standard error of measurement / mean) of the GST ranged between 21–32% and the DVA ranged between 25–69% with vertical DVA being most influenced by measurement error. Subjects' symptoms did not correlate with performance on either test. The current test protocol needs refinement to enhance reliability and stability in persons with vestibular disorders.

Objective. To translate the patient questionnaire section of the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) into Arabic, examine the reliability of the translated version, and provide descriptive data on a sample of patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods. Researchers used the translation-back translation method to obtain MNSI Arabic. The test was then applied on 76 patients with type 2 diabetes. A subgroup of 25 patients answered MNSI Arabic twice to examine reliability. Results. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.87, revealing good reliability of MNSI Arabic. The most common symptoms patients complained of were numbness (62%), prickling feelings (57%), burning pain (47%), and pain with walking (46%). Conclusion. Similar to the original MNSI version, our study demonstrates that the Arabic version of the MNSI questionnaire is a reliable tool for screening the symptomatic neuropathy status in patients with type 2 diabetes. Availability of this tool in Arabic will provide valuable and easy-to-obtain screening information regarding diabetic peripheral neuropathy that may help delay its complications by promoting early management.

Knowledge of knee osteoarthritis (OA) and its management options affects adherence to treatment, symptoms, and function. Many sociocultural differences exist between Jordan, as a representative of the Middle East, and the developed world which might influence the knowledge of the pathology and its impact on health. Objectives. To explore the knowledge of the pathology and the experience of people diagnosed with knee OA living in Jordan. Methods. Qualitative study design using a triangulation method of both focus groups and in-depth semistructured interviews. Fourteen participants were included (13 females and one male). One focus group and seven in-depth semistructured interviews were conducted. Discussions were audiotaped and transcribed. Framework analysis was used, and data were mapped to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework. Results. The themes are as follows: (1) body functions and structures included two subthemes: physical changes and psychological impact; (2) activity limitation and participation restriction included three subthemes: factors influencing the activities, cultural and social perspectives to activity limitation, and participation restriction; (3) personal factors included three subthemes: knowledge and personal interpretation of disease process, knowledge of management options to relief symptoms, and influence of personal factors on activity and participation; and (4) environmental factors included three subthemes: service delivery process, ineffective communication across the care pathway, and facilitators and barriers. Conclusions. Knowledge of the disease was lacking as a consequence of inappropriate service delivery and culture. Activity limitations and participation restrictions are similar in Jordan to other cultures in addition to limitations in religious, employment, and transportation activities. The results demonstrate that the effect of knee OA varies among different cultures and highlight the role of healthcare professionals worldwide in understanding the impact of culture on health. They also increase the awareness of healthcare professionals, specifically in Jordan, on the limitations in delivered services and the importance of education.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of a standardized gaze stabilization test (GST) as an indicator of vestibular function in community-dwelling older adults and to examine the relationship between gaze stabilization and physical performance. Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional. Setting: Tertiary medical center. Subjects: Eighty-six healthy older adults (22 men) of mean (standard deviation [SD]) age 76.8 (5.8) years were recruited from the Pittsburgh community. Main Outcome Measures: Performance on the GST, measures of physical performance (standing balance, chair rises, and gait speed individually and combined into the Short Physical Performance Battery) and self-reported balance. Results: Whereas more than 90% of participants completed testing in the pitch and yaw planes, only 85% (73 of 86) had interpretable scores due to prolonged perception time independent of vestibulo-ocular reflex. The mean (SD) head movement velocity in the pitch plane was 94.5 (26.7) degrees per second, whereas the mean (SD) head movement velocity in the yaw plane was 95.5 (29.3) degrees per second. There was a strong association between age and GST performance in the pitch and yaw planes (r = 0.68; p < 0.001). Poor GST performance in the yaw plane was associated with balance capacity with eyes closed. Additionally, there was a trend toward an association between self-reported balance and GST performance in both pitch (p = 0.08) and yaw planes (p = 0.10). Conclusion: Although most older adults completed GST testing, estimates were not interpretable in almost 15% due to prolonged perception time. Gaze stabilization test in the yaw plane was worse than previously reported in healthy older adults and was associated with poor ability to balance with eyes closed. Self-reported balance tended to be associated with an objective assessment of vestibulo-ocular reflex in this population of older adults.