[The effect of low-frequency whole-body vibration on the vestibular apparatus]

For the first time, effects of very low-frequency whole-body vibration (WBV) on the functional state of the vestibular system were examined by means of electronystagmography (ENG) which is considered as a sensitive and adequate method. During vertical WBV-exposure with 0.6 Hz and 1.87 ms-2 rms for 50 minutes, a vertical nystagmus was observed. The results suggest the applicability of the ENG under laboratory conditions with WBV-exposure as a method for the assessment of the vestibular function. Changes of ENG amplitudes occurred with longer duration of WBV-exposure; they were different between subjects.