Abstract

Background: Motion sensitivity, also referred to as motion sickness, is a common condition among general population. It is a complex syndrome and is associated with presence of nausea and vomiting headache, drowsiness, cold sweating, pallor of varying degrees, increased salivation. Postural instability and anxiety are also identified to be associated with motion sensitivity. There is a close relationship between the vestibular system and motion sensitivity and vestibular system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of progressive gaze stability exercises on holistic aspects of chronic motion sensitivity. Methods: A single blind randomized controlled trial was conducted where participants were blinded to type of intervention. Forty one healthy young adults of both genders within the age group of 20 to 40 years with chronic motion sensitivity were recruited in the study. Baseline and post intervention assessment of postural stability, motion sensitivity, and anxiety was measured for each participant using, Bertec Balance Advantage-Dynamic Computerized Dynamic Posturography with Immersion Virtual Reality (CDP-IVR), Motion Sensitivity Quotient (MSQ), Motion Sensitivity Susceptibility Questionnaire Short Form (MSSQ-Short), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults (STAI Form Y-2). Results: There was a significant difference for condition 2 (p=0.05), but not for condition 1 (p=0.44) for the mean CDP-IVR average score post intervention between the intervention and sham groups. For condition 2, the intervention group had 117% increase in CDP-IVR average score compared to 35.2% increase in the sham group. Also, there was a significant difference in mean MSQ between the two groups (p=0.045). There was a significant inverse correlation between MSQ and CDP-IVR average equilibrium % of Condition 1 (ρ = -0.44, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Progressive gaze stability exercises reduced motion sensitivity and improved postural stability in participants with chronic motion sensitivity. Also, perception of motion sensitivity was observed to be inversely correlated with postural stability. There was no impact of gaze stability exercises observed on subjective perception of anxiety among this population. Also, HEP adherence strategies were beneficial to ensure exercise adherence in participants with chronic motion sensitivity.

LLU Discipline

Rehabilitation Sciences

Department

Physical Therapy

School

School of Allied Health Professions

First Advisor

Johnson, Eric G.

Second Advisor

Daher, Noha S.

Third Advisor

Krpalek, Dragana

Fourth Advisor

Nelson, Todd

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Science)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2016

Date (Title Page)

6-2016

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Vestibular Function Tests; Sensitivity and Specificity; Physical Therapy Modalities; Exercise Movement Techniques; Motion

Subject - Local

Motion Sensitivity; Gaze Stability; Vestibular Rehabilitation; Vestibular System; Gaze Stability Exercises

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

89

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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