INTVEST project – innovations in vestibular testing

Abstract

Objectives 1. to create a testing system INTVEST , which includes the static and dynamic subjective visual vertical, static and dynamic visual acuity and the body \'s center of mass displacement; 2. to implement hardware, which allows the system to control the strength and direction of vestibular stimuli and record feedback signals occurring through vestibulooccular reflex; 3. to investigate the created prototype in the laboratory, combining different research methods and to evaluate the reliability and applicability of INTVEST system. Expected results We intend to develop an innovative, portable integrated peripheral vestibular function testing system based on virtual reality, using high resolution wide field glasses and head orientation in space sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer). The software will include two independent graphical interfaces – one for patient and another for investigator (physician or researcher). The LabView based software will implement automatic repetitive experiments in order to increase accuracy and precision of measurements. The results with statistical analysis are presented to the physician’s graphical user interface. In principle, the software can be implemented as internet application for self-testing and remote monitoring. This innovative system can be used as an additional clinical tool in conjunction with videonystagmopgraphy or as an alternative instrument in the situations where one needs a faster information about the potential dysfunction of the peripheral vestibular system.