Published in:
21-06-2023 | Otology
An evaluation of the test–retest reliability of the functional head impulse test in healthy young adults
Authors:
Gulce Kirazli, Tugba Emekci, Feyza Inceoglu, Pelin Pistav Akmese, Nese Celebisoy
Published in:
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
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Issue 12/2023
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Abstract
Aim
To determine the test and retest reliability of the functional head impulse test (fHIT) in healthy young adults.
Materials and methods
Thirty-three healthy participants (17 women, 16 men) aged 18–30 years were included in the study. Each participant underwent the fHIT twice, 1 week apart, by the same experienced clinician. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to determine test–retest reliability.
Results
There was no statistically significant difference between the results of total percentage of correct answer (CA%) of the fHIT obtained in session 1 and session 2 measurements in the lateral, anterior, and posterior semicircular canals (SCCs) (p > 0.05). ICC values for test–retest reliability were found to range from 0.619 to 0.665 for the three semicircular canals (SCCs).
Conclusion
The test–retest reliability of the fHIT device was moderate. Attention, cognition, and fatigue may be the factors reducing reliability. In the diagnosis, follow-up, and rehabilitation processes of vestibular diseases in clinics, changes in the fHIT CA% can be used to assess vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) functionality.