Agreement Among Experienced Physical Therapist Clinicians in Naming Nystagmus: A Mixed-Methods Study Design

Authors

• Lori Ann Leineke, Augustana University-COFollow
• Alessandra N. Garcia, Campbell UniversityFollow
• Bridget Eubanks, Tufts University-PhoenixFollow

Abstract

Purpose: Labeling nystagmus requires clinicians to consider multiple aspects of its presentation. The extent to which physical therapists (PTs) use consistent terminology for describing nystagmus is unknown. Recommendations for proper terminology exist, but adherence during clinical assessment has not been determined. This study investigated whether PTs with advanced vestibular rehabilitation skills and training consistently use standardized vocabulary to describe nystagmus patterns. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional, mixed-methods study utilized an online survey methodology, which included eight free-response questions. Participants viewed videos of nystagmus through Infrared or Frenzel goggles and documented their observations. A codebook of responses was created for each question, with researchers agreeing on coding language. Statistical analysis using inductive coding was conducted for each survey question, with descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) used to quantify the distribution of responses for each video. For each response, items coded together that were reported by at least 70% of respondents were determined to have high agreement. Results: A total of 76 responses were initiated, of which 35 met the inclusion criteria for “advanced knowledge or training in vestibular rehabilitation.” Respondents used common terminology across videos. Agreement exceeded 90% for six of the eight videos. Each video elicited predominantly used terms alongside fewer common descriptions. Conclusions: PTs with advanced vestibular rehabilitation skills demonstrated high consistency in terminology use when describing nystagmus. Standardized language ensures assessments and treatment plans are accurately understood and consistently implemented, enhancing patient care through precise documentation, collaboration, and accurate interventions.

Author Bio(s)

Lori Leineke, PT, DPT, EdD is Director of Curriculum and Associate Professor at Augustana University-Colorado.

Alessandra Narciso Garcia, PT, PhD is an Assistant Professor at Campbell University in Lillington, NC.

Bridget R Eubanks, PT, DPT, PhD is Co-Director of Student Affairs and Assistant Professor at Tufts University DPT Program in Phoenix, AZ.

Acknowledgements

We extend our gratitude to Dr. Timothy C. Hain, M.D., for the use of his nystagmus videos for this research.

Recommended Citation

Leineke LA, Garcia AN, Eubanks B. Agreement Among Experienced Physical Therapist Clinicians in Naming Nystagmus: A Mixed-Methods Study Design. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Jun 01;24(2), Article 1.