Use of the visual suppression test using post-rotatory nystagmus to determine skill in ballet dancers

Twelve ballet dancers with various levels of dancing experience and skill were examined with the visual suppression test using post-rotatory nystagmus (PRVST) and caloric stimulation (CVST). The PRVST results showed a suppression rate that was higher than in untrained subjects. The CVST results showed a suppression rate similar to that in untrained subjects. A correlation between the PRVST and CVST suppression rates and the length of dancing experience showed that the suppression rate increased as the level of experience and skill rose. These results indicate that the PRVST and CVST can aid in the clinical and quantitative assessment of the function of the central nervous system in visual-vestibular interactions in ballet dancers. Additionally, testing may have determined function of vestibulo-cerebellar pathways through habituation of visual-vestibular interactions. Findings indicate that it may be possible to use suppression rates of PRVST and CVST to determine the approximate level of a dancer's experience and skill.