Research Module

16 February 2022
10 mins
Reading

What is the Research Module?

The Research Module is an advanced add-on feature for researchers and scientists who would like to quickly export large amounts of data so that they can perform customized analysis of the recorded eye movements.

 

Nystagmus parameters

This feature will work with any completed test with recorded eye movements.

Results overview for spontaneous nystagmus. Left-beating nystagmus with an average slow phase velocity of 11.

Figure 1 – Completed nystagmus test

For example, on the above test, you can enter the temporary settings menu and adjust the parameters to accommodate your research protocol.

Figure 2 – Temporary Settings; Nystagmus Parameters

Once in the settings menu, you can adjust the parameters that are used in the nystagmus detection algorithm.

Many nystagmus parameters, including the following: 1) Display nystagmus markers, which is set to ON. 2) Highlight nystagmus slow phase, which is set to OFF. 3) Peak response, which is set to 10 s. Below are many and identical advanced settings for the slow and fast phases, including the following: 1) Min duration, which is set to 40 ms. 2) Max duration, which is set to 1000 ms. 3) Min amplitude, which is set to 0.5 degrees. 4) Max amplitude, which is set to 1.5 degrees. 5) Slow/fast phase ratio, which is set to 2. 6) Min velocity, which is set to 0.5 degrees per second. 7) Max velocity, which is set to 220 degrees per second. 8) Line CoC, which is set to 0.95. 9) Min consecutive beats, which is set to 3. 10) Max timespan, which is set to 10 s. 11) Velocity check, which is set to 20% OR 3 degrees per second. 12) Average SPV, which is set to 50% AND 5 degrees per second.

Figure 3 – Table of nystagmus detection parameters

Be careful when changing these values, as it will change the clinical values in the data graphs of the nystagmus test. These changes should only be utilized for research purposes.

 

Data export

When you have completed your testing, in the Summary Review, you can choose to export the raw eye movements data to a csv file that is readable by the Excel spreadsheet program for further analysis.

Figure 4 – Export data function

Figure 5 – Data export in progress

The data will be exported and organized into individual test folders.

Folders for calibration, caloric, Dix Hallpike advanced, gaze, lateral head roll, ocular counter roll, optokinetic, random saccade, saccadometry, smooth pursuit, and spontaneous nystagmus.

Figure 6 – Individual file folders for exported data

Research laboratories can use MATLAB programs to organize and present the data in different formats.

csv exports of average slow phase velocity results, eye position data, IMU data, nystagmus points, test notes, and torsional nystagmus points. An example of one of the spreadsheets is shown, with several columns containing various data, such as aSPV, direction, label, and others.

Figure 7 – Export files in csv format

For further assistance, if needed, please refer to the Instructions for use and Additional Information manuals.


Presenter

Michelle Petrak
Michelle Petrak, Ph.D., is the Director of Clinical Audiology and Vestibular Research for Interacoustics. Her primary role is development and clinical validation of new technologies in the vestibular and balance areas. She is located in Chicago where she is a licensed private practice clinical audiologist at Northwest Speech and Hearing (NWSPH). Dr. Petrak received her doctorates in Electrophysiology (1992) and Biomolecular Electronics (1994) from Wayne State University and her Masters in Audiology in 1989. Her special areas of expertise include vestibular and balance assessments and management of the dizzy patient. Dr. Petrak is involved with new innovative product developments, clinical evaluations of new protocols, and publishing, teaching, and training on the management of patients with dizziness. She continues to lecture extensively nationally and internationally, and she has numerous articles published in the hearing industry journals. She also participates on the committees for several doctoral students as support for the research projects.

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