Assessing the Unterberger test: introduction of a novel smartphone application

Journal article

Whittaker, M., Mathew, A., Kanani, R. and Kanegaonkar, R. 2014. Assessing the Unterberger test: introduction of a novel smartphone application. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology. 128 (11), pp. 958-960. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022215114002539
AuthorsWhittaker, M., Mathew, A., Kanani, R. and Kanegaonkar, R.
Abstract

Background: Peripheral vestibular function is commonly assessed using the Unterberger test. Patients are asked to march on the spot and their extent of rotation is recorded. The sensitivity of this test depends on an assessor accurately estimating the degree of rotation. This study therefore aimed to compare observer estimates with a smartphone application (DplusR Balance) that accurately records rotation.

Method: Twenty-five participants were asked to estimate the degree of rotation in 10 successive Unterberger tests performed by a volunteer.

Results: The average difference between estimated and application recorded extent of rotation was 30°.

Conclusion: Assessors poorly estimate the degree of rotation in this clinical test, to an extent sufficient to affect clinical interpretation and diagnosis. We recommend the use of this application or alternative methods to record the degree of rotation in patients.

Year2014
JournalThe Journal of Laryngology & Otology
Journal citation128 (11), pp. 958-960
PublisherRoyal Society of Medicine
ISSN0022-2151
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022215114002539
Publication dates
Online30 Oct 2014
Publication process dates
Deposited10 Apr 2019
Accepted14 Mar 2014
Output statusPublished
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https://repository.canterbury.ac.uk/item/88z64/assessing-the-unterberger-test-introduction-of-a-novel-smartphone-application

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