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ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2258-3274
Date of Graduation
5-9-2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Audiology (AuD)
Department
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Advisor(s)
Erin G. Piker
Lincoln Gray
Melissa Garber
Abstract
The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is essential to maintain clear vision during head movements and can be assessed through the head impulse paradigm (HIMP). The suppression head impulse paradigm (SHIMP) is used to quantify the ability to suppress the VOR. MacDougall et. al. (2016) demonstrated that SHIMP gain is decreased compared to HIMP gain values in healthy adults. Previous research has supported the idea that vestibular trained athletes, such as dancers, have an enhanced capability of suppressing the VOR than those without vestibular training. The objective of this study was to assess VOR suppression capabilities at increased velocities, similar to what dancers experience when they turn. HIMP and SHIMP gain values were compared across 10 active dancers with 6-18 years of training as well as to age and gender matched non-dancers. Results revealed no significant differences across or between groups for HIMP or SHIMP gain values. In the dancers’ group, a significant decrease in SHIMP gain was observed on the right side as years of dance experience increased, as expected. The presence of covert saccades was found in 6 dancers during SHIMP testing, primarily on the side that they prefer to turn on. Observations from this study suggest that vestibular trained athletes may have increased capability to suppress the VOR with increased length of training. The presence of covert saccades suggests that SHIMP test results within this population may resemble a pathology when no pathology exists. Test results should be replicated with a larger sample size to increase generalizability.
Recommended Citation
Scalzo, Miranda, "The effect of dance training on the VOR during the video head impulse test" (2024). Dissertations, 2020-current. 142.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/diss202029/142
