Dr. Vanessa R. Mirabito, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC of the Department of Physical Therapy is looking for volunteers to participate in a study looking at the potential relationship between a fear of heights and balance.
Dr. Mirabito is looking for volunteers between the ages of 18-65 with a self-reported fear of heights. Subjects will be excluded from the study for the following: (1) Taking greater than 4 prescription medications, as polypharmacy is a known cause of dizziness, which could skew the results of the study, (2) Have an existing lower extremity or back injury, (3) Have a diagnosed vestibular disorder (4) Inability to stand without assistance or an assistive device, (5) Inability to follow verbal instructions.
The study involves a short questionnaire regarding the subject’s comfort level with heights and two formal balance assessments, one using a piece of equipment known as a NeuroCom Balance Master. The study will take place in the Movement Analysis Lab at Ithaca College in the Center for Health Sciences. All testing will be completed in one session, scheduled at the subject’s convenience. The total time commitment for participation is approximately 45 minutes. There is minimal risk associated with this study, including anxiety related to the questions asked on the questionnaire and/or dizziness brought on by the balance assessments. For more information or to sign up, please contact:
Vanessa R. Mirabito, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC
331 Smiddy Hall, Ithaca College
953 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
607-274-7122
vmirabito@ithaca.edu
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20151018140709105