The influence of vestibular training on dynamic visual acuity in primary school students with learning difficulties.

Abstract

The relevance of the study is determined by the increasing number of younger schoolchildren with difficulties in mastering reading and writing. In recent decades, the hypothesis has been confirmed that one of the causes of difficulties in mastering reading and writing in elementary school may be reduced sensory reactivity of the vestibular system. The article presents the results of an experimental study of dynamic visual acuity in children with learning difficulties. Dynamic visual acuity reflects the quality of interaction between the visual and vestibular systems. Its violations can complicate the development of reading and writing. The study involved 35 primary school students with learning difficulties. The study was conducted on the basis of a pediatric neurological clinic, instrumental studies and vestibular training were conducted as prescribed by a neurologist. At the first stage, functional diagnostics of vestibular function was carried out. The functions of the otolith part of the vestibular apparatus were evaluated by the method of cervical vestibular evoked potentials. The functions of the horizontal semicircular channels of the vestibular apparatus were evaluated by measuring the duration of post-rotational nystagmus. The experimental group included children whose learning difficulties were combined with sensory hyperactivity of the vestibular system or asymmetry of sensory reactivity of the vestibular system. Then the children underwent vestibular training on a riding simulator with visual biofeedback. The duration of the training is 14 days. The assessment of dynamic visual acuity was carried out by the standard method in sitting and standing positions before and after the training. Dynamic visual acuity depends on the quality of the vestibulocular reflex. It is shown that vestibular training on a riding simulator with visual biofeedback significantly improves dynamic visual acuity in a group of children with hyperactivity, symptoms of astheno-neurotic syndrome, asymmetry of sensory reactivity of the vestibular apparatus. Further research is needed to assess the impact of the training results on the success of children in learning.