Test-re-test reliability and dynamics of the Fukuda-Unterberger stepping test.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Fukuda-stepping-test (FST), i.e., repetitive walking on the spot while blindfolded, has been proposed as a means to assess the integrity of the vestibular pathways. While its sensitivity to detect abnormalities in patients is limited, it may be useful in studying the physiology of the subjective-straight-ahead (SSA). Considering reported systematic shifts in SSA in humans, we hypothesize that such asymmetries arise from individual differences in the orientation/configuration of the macular organs and in central processing of vestibular input. We hypothesize that such asymmetries are stable over time in individual subjects. Alternatively, such asymmetries may arise from random noise in the sensory/motor systems involved, demonstrating low reproducibility over time.

SUBMITTER: Hemm S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10090507 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature