The Relationship between Dynamic Balance and Postrotary Nystagmus in Learning Disabled Children

Twenty-four children with learning disabilities or perceptual-motor handicaps were evaluated using the Southern California Postrotary Nystagmus Test and other clinical measures frequently used by occupational therapists to assess vestibular function. Correlational analyses revealed significant relationships between nystagmus duration scores and Walk on Floor Eyes Closed (a test of dynamic balance), prone extension posture, Walk on Floor Eyes Open, age, muscle tone and Standing Balance: Eyes Open. Multiple regression analysis indicated that when all of the clinical variables were considered together, the Walk on Floor Eyes Closed test was the best predictor of postrotary nystagmus duration. These findings expand the results of other studies which have related clinical vestibular tests to duration of postrotary nystagmus and also indicate that therapists may want to include assessments of dynamic balance with other clinical variables in the evaluation of vestibular function.