The aim of this study is to assess the differences in gaze and gait during the stair and ramp negotiation (+transition to normal level walking) between healthy controls and vestibular patients (fallers and non-fallers).

For a better understanding of falls in patients with vestibular disorders it might be important to identify the challenging environmental that provoke functional deficits; e.g. stair or ramp negotiation. The three steps at the ground and at the top of stairs is the most common location for missteps and stair accidents. This is supported by the observation made in a 12-month prospective study were 32% of the falls happened during the last step going down stairs in vestibular patients.

It remains open if patient's vestibular dysfunctions have a different gaze or gait behavior than healthy individuals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All included patients are diagnosed with single or two-sided vestibular dysfunction.
• Adult male and female participant's (≥18 years)
• Signed informed consent after being informed

Exclusion Criteria:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
• Acute pain
• Walking disability (independent walking distance <10 meters)
• Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease (e.g.: uncontrolled blood pressure)
• Gait problems caused by Hip or knee endoprothesis
• Weakness due to neurological problems
• Known or suspected non-compliance
• Contraindications on ethical grounds

The study sample includs patients with vestibular disorder and age matched healthy participants. Patients with vestibular disorder will be diagnosed by a pathological horizontal head impulse test to both sides (< 0.80), as assessed by using a video-based system and the presents of saccades.

Publication