A tangible head model showing semicircular canals for demonstrating the physical treatment for BPPV

Abstract

Conclusions: It was shown that practicing with a tangible head model with semicircular canals is a useful educational tool for learning the physical treatment for BPPV. Objectives: To assess the efficacy of using a tangible head model with semicircular canals to teach the physical treatment for BPPV. Methods: This study compared the number of canalith particles in the posterior semicircular canal that 20 participants could move from the ampulla to the utricle, before and after practicing with the tangible model. Results: Before practicing with the model, they could move 2.5 (mean value) of 10 canalith particles. However, after practicing, they could move 6.6 (mean value) of 10 canalith particles. There was a statistical difference (p < 0.01) between the two trials.

Keywords:

• BPPV
• tangible head model
• canalith repositioning procedure (CRP)

Acknowledgment

This study was supported by Medical Grant from Itoigawa city and supported by Grants-in Aid for Scientific research (No.26462553) from Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and partially supported by a Grant-in-Aid from the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development. The authors thank Mrs Carol Macbain for helpful discussion.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.