Clinical Research Directory

Vibrotactile Balance Belt Effect on Improving Gait

This study will examine the effect of using a vibrotactile feedback implemented into a belt, at improving gait in those with gait disorders.

Subthreshold Vestibular Stimulation as a Strategy for Rehabilitation

The nervous system responds to changes in external or internal conditions by altering the behavior of neurons through multiple forms of neural plasticity. A specific form of plasticity, "homeostatic plasticity", stabilizes neural activity by driving the excitability of neurons toward a "set-point" level of activity. Over the last six years, new data have come to light showing that the vestibular system also possess a robust capacity to modulate sensitivity to self-motion cues in response to prolonged periods of motion. Collectively, these studies have demonstrated a capacity to use motion perturbations (i.e., low, or high levels of vestibular stimulation) to dynamically adjust the sensitivity of the vestibular system on both the single neuron and behavioral levels. The ability to use subthreshold motion stimuli to drive plasticity in the vestibular system motivates this study. The investigators aim to determine the impact of subthreshold motion on (a) balance performance and (b) balance training in individuals with peripheral vestibular hypofunction.

Optimizing Cochlear Implant Laterality in Patients With Unilateral Vestibular Weakness

In patients with symmetric hearing loss who meet traditional cochlear implant candidacy criteria yet demonstrate pre-operative unilateral vestibular weakness, the choice of which ear to implant may impact their post-operative vestibular course. The investigators aim to implement both objective videonystagmography metrics as well as subjective patient-reported outcome measures to assess whether selecting laterality for cochlear implantation as it relates to unilateral vestibular loss has a measurable impact on patients' post-operative vestibular function. In pursuing cochlear implantation on the ear that demonstrates worse vestibular function, the investigators hypothesize improved vestibular function in comparison to operating on the unaffected side. The randomized control pilot study plans to allocate 10 subjects to a treatment group that involves cochlear implantation on the ipsilateral side of vestibular hypofunction and a control group that will undergo implantation on the contralateral side. The investigators plan to compare scores derived from the Dizziness Handicap Inventory completed at pre-operative evaluation and at two subsequent post-operative visits between control and treatment groups as primary outcome. The investigators also plan to determine if there is a significant difference in measures derived from caloric vestibular testing pre- and post-operatively as well as between control and treatment groups.

Optokinetic Virtual Reality Stimulation in Unilateral Vestibular Hypofunction

The study will be conducted on patients diagnosed with UVH who apply to Prof. Dr. Mete İşeri Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases Polyclinic and Güneşli Erdem Hospital Ear, Nose and Throat and Vestibular Rehabilitation Unit. Participants will be divided into 3 groups by simple randomization (closed envelope) method. To the vestibular rehabilitation group; A conventional rehabilitation program based on structured Cawthorne Cooksey exercises will be applied for 45 minutes once a week with the support of a physiotherapist for 8 weeks. To the optokinetic stimulation group; optokinetic stimulation will be given with virtual reality glasses, and to the combined group; Participants in the vestibular exercise group will receive additional optokinetic stimulation. The application will be done once a week for 8 weeks. Inclusion criteria for the study are; diagnosed with unilateral vestibular hypofunction with VNG test, between the ages of 18-65, class A+ in the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the percentage range being between 96-100%; Exclusion criteria for the study are; Bilateral vestibular hypofunction, visual impairment, neurological disorder and inability to communicate.

Visual Influences on Vestibular Adaptation

The goal of this study is to learn whether a balance-training exercise called incremental vestibulo-ocular reflex adaptation (IVA) is safe and effective for adults with vision impairments, with or without additional vestibular (inner-ear balance) problems. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does IVA cause only mild, temporary symptoms and no serious adverse events? * Does IVA improve eye-movement reflexes, balance, and walking, and do these improvements differ between people with vision problems alone and those with both vision and vestibular impairments? Researchers will compare adults with vision impairment only to adults who have both vision and vestibular impairments to see whether the groups respond differently to IVA. Participants will: * Complete symptom ratings before and after IVA * Undergo tests of vestibular reflexes (e.g., VOR gain) * Complete balance and walking assessments

Effects Of Mental Imagery Along With Vestibular Rehabilitation On Young Adults With Vestibular Hypofunction

The objective of the study is to determine the effects of cawthorne cooksey exercises with addition of mental imagery on vertigo,dizziness and balance in young adults with vestibular hypofunctionThe study will be randomized control trial including 2 experimental groups with estimated 22 participants in each group.

Effect of Cawthorne Cooksey Exercises on Balance in Autistic Children With Vestibular Hypofunction.

The objective of the study is to determine the effects of cawthorne cooksey exercises on balance in autistic children with vestibular hypofunction. The study will be randomized control trial including 2 experimental groups with estimated 22 participants in each group.

Improving Psychological and Vestibular Health: MINDGAPS

The purpose of this study is twofold: 1) Develop norms for measures of inner ear function and psychological health, and 2) Examine the feasibility of using the MINDGAPS system (a remote monitoring system) to track progress during physical therapy or rehabilitation for inner ear problems following a concussion or mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Making INformed Decisions in Gaze and Postural Stability: A Pilot Feasibility Study

The proposed research is relevant to vestibular science and the general public because age-related vestibular hypofunction is a major contributor to poor balance, falls, and other adverse health outcomes. In this investigation the investigators will: 1) assess the preliminary efficacy of a novel intervention system for improving vestibular function and dizziness in community-dwelling older adults, 2) assess the safety and feasibility of the this system, and 3) assess the acceptability and implementation potential of this system, prior to a large-scale, R01-level investigation.