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

Dr Michelle Petrak
Dr. Michelle Petrak is the Director of Clinical Audiology for Interacoustics and is a licensed, practicing audiologist in the Chicago area. Dr. Petrak received her Doctorates in Electrophysiology and Biomolecular Electronics from Wayne State University in 1994 and her Masters in Audiology in 1989. Her special areas of expertise include vestibular and balance testing (VNG), electrophysiological techniques (ABR/ASSR/VEMP/ECoG) and pediatric audiology. Dr. Petrak is involved with product development, clinical evaluation testing, publishing, teaching and training on VNG and EP topics. In addition to being employed with Interacoustics, she is also a licensed and practicing audiologist at Northwest Speech and Hearing in Arlington Heights, IL. She continues to lecture extensively, nationally and internationally, and to publish articles in hearing industry journals.

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