Evaluating the Epley Canalolith Repositioning Procedure With and Without a Visual Assistive Device.

Abstract

The primary goal of this study was to examine how accuracy is affected when we employ a guidance device to assist with the execution of the Epley canalolith repositioning procedure. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common cause of vestibular vertigo. Treatment is noninvasive and generally effective when performed correctly. Deficiencies in clinical application result in unnecessary failures in response for those affected. Ten participants were each taken through six iterations of the Epley canalolith repositioning procedure. Iterations were divided evenly between those conducted with and without the use of a guidance device. One clinician performed all 60 procedures. Head movements were recorded using motion capture cameras and strategically placed motion tracking markers. Results showed that the guidance device significantly improved the latter phase maneuver accuracy. Rotation error was significantly reduced for hold3 with-device (M = 20.23°, SD = 12.08°) versus without-device (M = 40.13°, SD = 14.62°, p = 0.001). Maximal rotation error during rotation4 of the maneuver demonstrated a similar reduction of error with-device (M = 24.44°, SD = 10.43°) versus without-device (M = 41.36°, SD = 12.89°, p = 0.002). A simple visual guidance device can increase the execution accuracy of canalith repositioning procedures. Further research is required to show how such improvements influence treatment efficacy.