DVA test, version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
When using the Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA) test as an outcome measure for vestibular rehabilitation in dizzy patients, what change in test scores is clinically significant? A study using healthy volunteers.
IRAS ID
143003
Contact name
Helen Brough
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals
Research summary
People with damage to the vestibular system frequently experience dizziness during head movements. Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) exercises can be helpful in reducing this dizziness, but it is difficult to quantify the improvements made.
One outcome measure for VR is the Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA) test: it is safe, quick (approximately 5 minutes), and easily performed in a clinical setting. It involves the participant reading an optician’s letter chart with their head still, and then repeating this while the head is gently rotated side-to-side by a clinician.
The DVA test is scored by counting the number of letters on the chart that the participant can read when their head is rotated, and subtracting this from the number of letters they can read when their head is still. When carried out before and after VR, the difference in scores can be used to measure any improvement in the patient’s condition.
This research aims to determine the change in score that indicates a clinically significant change in vestibular function, by carrying out the test twice on each of 30 healthy volunteers to determine the typical measurement error. The results will help clinicians decide on the suitability of the DVA test as a VR outcome measure.
No funds are required for this research, the equipment has been provided by a previous grant from the Meniere’s Society. The study will be carried out in the Audiology Outpatient library, and volunteers will be recruited from within the Audiology/ENT department.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/YH/0026
Date of REC Opinion
28 Jan 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion