Videonystagmography random saccade age-related normative data v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Establishing age-related normative data for horizontal and vertical random saccades using videonystagmography (VNG).
IRAS ID
310099
Contact name
Alysia Dyke
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 24 days
Research summary
Our brain utilises information from the eyes, vestibular system (inner ear balance organ) and skin, joints, and muscles to help us balance. If any of these components are not working efficiently, we may feel off-balanced and dizzy. As problems with the brain can independently cause dizziness or disrupt how information from the vestibular system is transferred and interpreted, it is important that we in Audiology separately assess how well the balance organ and brain structures are working.
One routine test called random saccades assesses how well the central eye movement (oculomotor) pathways are working. Videonystagmography (VNG) is the British Society of Audiology (BSA) recommended method for recording random saccades and is utilised in most Audiology departments. Patients wear goggles which record the eyes using infrared light, as they make a saccade to follow a target that randomly jumps around on vertical and horizontal axes. Then computer software analyses saccade accuracy, latency and peak velocity.
Establishing data for 'normal', healthy individuals (normative data) is important, so that patients’ results can be compared to these to help identify true abnormalities. There have been several normative data studies for random saccades, across various age groups utilising different methods. However, there is less data on saccade latency and accuracy values, saccade performance using VNG, and saccade performance on a vertical axis. Several factors can impact saccades (e.g., saccade angle, target direction, age, recording method, different testers, fatigue), which may explain why some normative data varies between studies.
Therefore, our research aims to provide clarity on age-related normative data for random saccade testing using VNG. Individuals aged 20-79 with no vestibular or brain problems will complete 1-minute random saccade tests in vertical and horizontal axes in the Audiology Department at Glan Clwyd Hospital. Our research will begin in August 2022 and finish by July 2023.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/EE/0162
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jul 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion