Abstract Visual dependence (VD) is heightened in pathologies where balance is compromised. It is measured using the Rod and Disk Test (RDT), traditionally delivered through a personal computer (PC). This restricts settings under which the test can be taken. This study aimed to evaluate validity, reliability and measurement precision of a novel virtual reality (VR) RDT. VD of 15 healthy participants and 15 people with symptomatic hypermobility was assessed using VR- and PC-based RDT to evaluate convergent validity. Assessments were conducted in three head positions. Intra-rater reliability was assessed by measuring VD of 15 healthy participants seven days apart. Convergent validity was evaluated using correlation analysis; intra-rater reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients. Bland-Altman plots assessed agreement, and measurement precision was reported as standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC). Weak to moderate convergent validity was seen between VR- and PC-based tests, with coefficients of 0.3, 0.4 and 0.3. PC-based RDT showed poor to moderate ICCs; the VR-based RDT demonstrated poor ICCs. SEM and MDC for PC ranged from 0.44–0.47° and 1.23–1.30° respectively; for VR they ranged from 0.65–0.78° and 1.81–2.17° respectively. VR-based RDT demonstrated weak to moderate convergent validity and poor intra-rater reliability.
Wang et al. (2026) studied this question.