A Comparative Study on Post-Rotatory Vestibular Nystagmus Tests in Children: Traditional Approach vs. Rotating Chair and Ball Positioning

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of two different methods for administering the post-rotatory nystagmus test in children entre 5 y 10 años participating in Occupational Therapy programs. The study compared a standard condition (NPR-E) with a modified variant (NPR-SP). Method: In the NPR-E condition, the evaluation was conducted according to Ayres' guidelines (1975). In the NPR-SP condition, the children were evaluated while seated on a spinning office chair with a ball positioned at the chin to facilitate a 30-degree forward head tilt. Results: With a sample size of N=11, the paired-sample t-test indicated statistical equivalence within a predefined margin of ±2 seconds between NPR-E and NPR-SP (mean difference = 0.55 seconds, 95% CI [-0.21, 1.30], t(10) = 1.60, one-tailed p = .070, two-tailed p = .140). Additionally, a bootstrap analysis based on 10,000 samples supported these findings (mean difference = 0.55 seconds, bias = -0.00139, standard error = 0.33, two-tailed p = .169). Discussion: Despite a large effect size, caution is advised in interpreting the results due to the inclusion of zero in the confidence interval. The findings suggest that NPR-SP may be a valid alternative for assessing post-rotatory nystagmus in children. Future research should focus on confirming these preliminary findings and assessing the clinical applicability of the NPR-SP method in different settings.