Fukuda stepping test: Sensitivity and specificity

Background: A vestibulospinal test known as the Fukuda stepping test (FST) has been suggested to be a measure of asymmetrical labyrinthine function. However, an extensive review of the performance of this test to identify a peripheral vestibular lesion has not been reported. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the standard FST and a head shaking variation for identification of a peripheral vestibular system lesion. Research Design: In this retrospective review, we compared performance on the FST with and without a head shaking component to electronystagmography (ENG) caloric irrigation unilateral weakness results. Study Sample: We studied these factors in 736 chronic dizzy patients. Results: Receiving operating characteristics (ROC) analysis and area under the curve (AUC) indicated no significant benefit to performance from the head shaking variation compared to the standard FST in identifying labyrinthine weakness as classified by caloric unilateral weakness results. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the FST with and without head shake component is not a reliable screening tool for peripheral vestibular asymmetry in chronic dizzy patients; however, future research may hold promise for the FST as a tool for patients with acute unilateral disorders.