Incremental Velocity Error as a New Treatment in Vestibular Rehabilitation

INVENT VPT: Incremental Velocity Error as a New Treatment in Vestibular Rehabilitation

The objective for this study is to compare outcome measures from vestibular rehabilitation (VPT) delivered in a traditional method against a new device Incremental Velocity Error (IVE) that improves physiologic performance of the vestibulo-ocular reflex. Participants include active duty service members with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and civilians with peripheral vestibular hypofunction. The investigators will use a clinical trial cross-over design with randomization to either the control (VPT) or experimental (IVE) group and measure vestibulo-ocular reflex function as well as subjective and functional outcomes in order to investigate the best means to improve delivery of vestibular rehabilitation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Greater than or equal to 18 years old
• Service members with mTBI and civilian patients with vestibular hypofunction, both of which reports vestibular symptoms (i.e. dizziness, imbalance).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any subjects with a self-reported history of significant ophthalmic, neuromuscular, cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal/electrolyte and psychiatric disorders
• Those with uncontrolled severe hypertension (systolic BP of >200 mm Hg and/or a diastolic BP of > 110 mmHg at rest)
• Those with a recent history of alcohol and/or drug abuse within the past 6 months