RP305 - Is Virtual Reality the New CDP? Comparison of a Head-Borne VR System to Computerized Posturography

Abstract:
The evaluation of postural stability is important in falls risk assessment in older adults. The gold standard of posturography uses force plate technology. However, due to size and lack of portability, access to such equipment is limited. A new portable virtual reality device uses pendular mechanics to measure stability across all six tradition posturography conditions, plus two novel conditions. Correlational data between computerized posturography using a Sensory Organization Test and the virtual reality system in subjects age 60-75 will be presented. Additional demographic, hearing and related health information of subjects will also be presented.

Summary:
Rational
The evaluation of postural stability is an important component in identifying falls risk in older adults. Currently, postural stability can be measured through both qualitative measures and quantitative measures such as computerized dynamic posturography (CDP), specifically the sensory organization testing (SOT) which uses force plate technology. Qualitative measures benefit from portability and low cost; however, results are open to clinician interpretation of performance. Quantitative force plate systems lack portability and are costly. The current study compares stability measures of a portable virtual reality device which provides quantitative analysis of parameters similar to those found in SOT assessments with the added benefits of portability.

Primary Aims
1. To determine the validity and correlation of measurements between the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) using a force plate (gold standard) to the virtual reality system in participants ages 60-75.
2. To investigate the relationship between pure tone hearing thresholds, postural stability measures, cognitive screening scores, and reports of falls.
3. To assess the level of symptomology immediately following and at 10 minutes following completion of the virtual reality system with the simulator sickness questionnaire (SSQ).

Design
Adults ages 60-75 years old were recruited to complete posturography measures using the (SOT) and virtual reality (VR) systems. Potential subjects were excluded if they were unable to stand unsupported for less than 15 minutes, had significant visual problem, or were unable to follow verbal instructions given in English.
The test order (SOT vs VR) was randomly assigned via computer software. Additional demographic, health information, cognitive screening and audiological evaluations were collected from each participant. Immediately following completion of the Upright VR test protocol, the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) was administered to determine overall symptoms while using the Upright VR device. The SSQ was administered again, approximately 10 minutes following completion of testing using the Upright VR device to quantify any lingering effects.

Results
To date 17 subjects have completed the study. It is anticipated that at least 3 more will complete prior to deadline. A formal analysis of results using Pearson product moment correlation will occur at that time. However, preliminary results suggest significant correlation of measurements in several equivalent conditions of the devices exist. The investigational VR device also had low symptoms reported, indicating that simulator sickness was not an issue in the study participants. Correlations between the postural assessment scores and the amount of hearing loss, cognitive screening scores, health conditions, and reported falls will also be reported.



Conclusions:
Virtual reality devices that assess postural stability may become a suitable alternative to larger devices and increase access to quantitative assessments for those at risk for falls. Observed relationships, if any, between posturography scores, hearing loss, cognitive scores and other health factors will be reviewed.