Application of a Digital Head-Posture Measuring System in Children

• Published in: American journal of ophthalmology 2011, Vol.151 (1), p.66-70.e2
• Main Authors: Hald, Eric S, Hertle, Richard W, Yang, Dongsheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Child, Preschool; Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted - instrumentation; Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological - instrumentation; Female; Head - physiology; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - instrumentation; Infant; Male; Medical sciences; Miscellaneous; Movement - physiology; Nystagmus, Pathologic - physiopathology; Ophthalmology; Posture - physiology; Prospective Studies; Reproducibility of Results; Rotation; Torticollis - physiopathology
• ISSN: 0002-9394; 1879-1891
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2010.07.013

Purpose To report the repeatability of a digital head-posture measuring system when used to record anomalous head postures in children. Design Prospective study and clinical laboratory investigation. Methods Using a digital head-posture measuring system, we measured 36 different anomalous head postures in 27 children with infantile nystagmus syndrome. Repeatability values and 95% limits of repeatability of measurements were generated for anomalous head postures. Results Among the 27 children, 3 had 2 head postures (right and left head turns) in 2 different directions; 6 had 2-dimensional head postures that were considered 2 different head postures; and 18 had a 1-dimensional head posture. There were 5 chin-up or chin-down postures, 23 head-turn postures, and 8 head-tilt postures in a total of 36 anomalous head postures. The repeatability value for all anomalous head postures was less than 10 degrees. Ninety-five percent limits of repeatability yielded ranges of less than 10 degrees for all anomalous head postures. Conclusions The digital head-posture measuring system is a valid and reliable device for measuring 3-dimensional head postures in children with nystagmus.