Highlights
VR-assisted SVV and SVH data at different head-tilt angles were established.
Age may not affect VR-assisted SVV and SVH values at different head-tilt angles.
VR-assisted SVV and SVH tests are an effective way to evaluate utricle function.
Abstract
Objective:
Subjective Visual Vertical (SVV) and Subjective Visual Horizontal (SVH) values may reflect bilateral utricle asymmetry. Bilateral utricle static tension balance can be used to evaluate bilateral otolith lesions and otolith-related central neuropathy. Few studies have examined Virtual Reality (VR)-assisted SVV and SVH values at various head-tilt angles across age groups. The present study aimed to determine the effects of age on VR-assisted SVV and SVH values at different head-tilt angles.
Methods:
We divided 180 healthy subjects into 6 age groups (n = 30 in each group). VR-assisted SVV and SVH measurements were performed at 9 head-tilt angles (head held vertically, 0°; head tilted 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90° to the left/right) in the roll plane.
Results:
SVV and SVH values significantly differed with head-tilt angle (p < 0.05). No significant difference was detected in the SVH and SVV values between different age groups (p = 0.632 and p = 0.810, respectively), and no interaction between the age group and the head-tilt angle was found for the SVH and SVV values (p = 0.670 and p = 0.084, respectively).
Conclusion:
These results suggest that age may have little effect on VR-assisted SVV and SVH at different head-tilt angles. Therefore, VR-assisted SVV and SVH can be evaluated as an effective, fast, and simple way to evaluate utricle function.
Level of Evidence: Level 4.
Keywords
Subjective visual vertical; Subjective visual horizontal; Age; Virtual reality; Utricle
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