Work

The Minimal Clinically Important Difference of the 180° Turn Time During the Instrumented Timed up and Go in Unilateral Vestibulopathies

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Timed Up and Go test (TUG) assesses dynamic balance performance. Motion sensors such as gyroscopes have enabled evaluation of the various subtasks of the TUG such as the 180° turn. As fast turning triggers the vestibular system, we hypothesize that the 180° turn is sensitive to change in individuals with unilateral vestibulopathies (UVP). Therefore, the objectives of this study were to formulate the minimal detectable change and minimal clinically important difference (MCID), both anchor- and distribution-based, for the 180° turn time in individuals with UVP. METHODS: In this longitudinal prospective study, data were collected in secondary and tertiary hospitals. Participants were included up to 4 weeks after the onset of the UVP. Unilateral vestibular function loss was confirmed by the criteria of the Bárány society. At baseline and follow-up (10 weeks since onset), participants performed an instrumented version of the TUG and a tandem gait test. An anchor- and distribution-based MCID was calculated for the 180° turn time. RESULTS: Seventy participants (55 ± 17 years, 35 female) were included. A minimal detectable change of 0.69 s (180° turn time) was calculated. The anchor-, and distribution-based MCID were 0.71 and 0.63 s for the 180° turn time, respectively. DISCUSSION: In individuals with UVP, an MCID of 0.71 s was observed for the 180° turn time. More research is recommended to confirm our results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov under ID NCT04979598.

Source: Physiotherapy Research International

DOI: 10.1002/pri.70053

Authors: Ann Hallemans, Hendrik Van der Boon, Luc Vereeck, Vincent Van Rompaey, Lien Van Laer

Institutions: University of Antwerp, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Antwerp University Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Vestibular and auditory disorders

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: Universiteit Antwerpen