Effect of Activity Level on Southern California Postrotary Nystagmus Test Scores

Abstract

The literature suggests that level of arousal prior to measuring postrotatory nystagmus affects the duration of the nystagmus response. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the type of activity engaged in by pre-school-age children prior to administration of the Southern California Postrotary Nystagmus Test (SCPNT) affected their total SCPNT duration scores. The sample consisted of 26 children enrolled in three mental health day treatment programs and 26 children enrolled in two Head Start programs. Each child was tested in two separate sessions. In one session the Peabody Developmental Gross Motor scale was administered prior to the SCPNT; in the other session the Peabody Developmental Fine Motor scale was administered prior to the SCPNT. Under the two conditions total SCPNT duration scores were not significantly different.