Gaze stabilization and dynamic visual acuity in people with multiple sclerosis.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Ophthalmology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• The functional capacity of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) remains poorly understood.
• MS can affect neurological functions, including those related to gaze stabilization and visual acuity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the psychometric properties of the computerized Gaze Stabilization Test (GST) and Dynamic Visual Acuity Test (DVAT) in individuals with MS.
• To assess the reliability and validity of GST and DVAT as measures of VOR function in MS.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study comparing 15 healthy controls and 30 participants with MS.
• Assessed discriminant validity between groups (MS vs. controls, high vs. low disability MS).
• Determined test-retest reliability and concurrent validity with patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for balance, dizziness, and fatigue.

Main Results:

• Participants with MS scored significantly lower on both GST and DVAT compared to controls.
• Individuals with higher MS disability had lower GST scores, but DVAT scores did not differ significantly.
• Test-retest reliability for GST and DVAT was fair to good (ICC range: 0.47–0.74).
• GST scores correlated significantly with PROs, while DVAT scores did not.

Conclusions:

• The GST and DVAT provide initial evidence of impaired VOR functional capacity in people with MS.
• Further research is needed to establish the utility of GST and DVAT as outcome measures for MS patients.