An evaluation of the test-retest reliability of the functional head impulse test in healthy young adults.

Abstract

To determine the test and retest reliability of the functional head impulse test (fHIT) in healthy young adults. Thirty-three healthy participants (17 women, 16 men) aged 18-30years were included in the study. Each participant underwent the fHIT twice, 1week apart, by the same experienced clinician. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to determine test-retest reliability. There was no statistically significant difference between the results of total percentage of correct answer (CA%) of the fHIT obtained in session 1 and session 2 measurements in the lateral, anterior, and posterior semicircular canals (SCCs) (p > 0.05). ICC values for test-retest reliability were found to range from 0.619 to 0.665 for the three semicircular canals (SCCs). The test-retest reliability of the fHIT device was moderate. Attention, cognition, and fatigue may be the factors reducing reliability. In the diagnosis, follow-up, and rehabilitation processes of vestibular diseases in clinics, changes in the fHIT CA% can be used to assess vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) functionality.