Abstract
Ameliorating effect of noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) on posture varies among subjects. In this feasibility study, we investigated the association between original postural instability and the ameliorating effect of nGVS on posture. Data were collected in a previously published study. Thirty healthy elderly were recruited. Two nGVS sessions (30 min or 3 h) were performed in a randomised order. The optimal intensity of nGVS, the most effective intensity for improving posture, was determined before each session. Posture was measured for 30 s during and after nGVS in the eyes-closed/foam rubber condition. The velocity, envelopment area, and root mean square of the centre of pressure movement without nGVS were significantly larger in the group with an optimal intensity than those in the group without an optimal intensity. There was a significant positive correlation between these values and the long-term ameliorating effects. The ratio of the values in the eyes-closed/foam rubber condition to those in the eyes-open condition was significantly larger in the group with an optimal intensity, and had a significant correlation with the long-term ameliorating effects. The ameliorating effects are greater in subjects who were originally unstable and in those whose postural stability was relatively independent of vestibular input.
Highlights
Ameliorating effect of noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation on posture varies among subjects
The value of each centre of pressure (COP) parameter in the eyes-open without noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) condition was measured for 30 s, and the optimal intensity of nGVS was determined
To determine the optimal intensity, first the value of each COP parameter in the eyes-closed/foam rubber condition without nGVS was measured and this was defined as the baseline value
Summary
Ameliorating effect of noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) on posture varies among subjects. With regard to postural control, stability while standing was improved during the application of an optimal level of nGVS in healthy subjects as well as in patients with bilateral vestibulopathy (BV)[2,5,6,7,8]. We recently reported that nGVS has a post-stimulation effect on postural improvement in healthy elderly subjects and in BV patients[1,14]. This decline in postural control with age can be a significant cause of falls[19] These nGVS effects can contribute to the improvement of postural stability for patients with peripheral vestibular disorders and for the elderly. We use data from the study and newly investigate the association between the original postural instability and the ameliorating effect of nGVS on postural stability in healthy elderly adults
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
