Evaluating The Epley Canalolith Repositioning Procedure With And Without A Visual Assistive Device

Hypothesis: 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. Background: 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. Methods: 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: 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 degrees, SD = 12.08 degrees) versus without-device (M = 40.13 degrees, SD = 14.62 degrees, p = 0.001). Maximal rotation error during rotation4 of the maneuver demonstrated a similar reduction of error with-device (M = 24.44 degrees, SD = 10.43 degrees) versus without-device (M = 41.36 degrees, SD = 12.89 degrees, p = 0.002). Conclusion: 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.