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Association between vestibular function and rotational spatial orientation perception in older adults.
E Anson1,2, M R Ehrenburg1, E M Simonsick3
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Journal of Vestibular Research : Equilibrium & Orientation
|February 13, 2021
Summary
Rotational spatial orientation is impaired by dysfunction in the lateral semicircular canals or utricles. Aging also negatively impacts spatial orientation abilities in healthy adults.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Sensory Physiology
Background:
- Spatial orientation relies on vestibular input and cognitive functions.
- Previous studies indicated poorer rotational spatial orientation in individuals with severe bilateral vestibular dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent association between rotational and linear vestibular function and rotational spatial orientation perception in healthy aging adults.
- To determine the impact of aging on spatial orientation abilities.
Main Methods:
- 272 healthy older adults underwent tests for rotational spatial orientation accuracy and vestibular function, including vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs).
- Mixed model multiple linear regression analyzed spatial orientation errors in relation to lateral semicircular canal, utricular, and saccular function, controlling for rotation size, age, and sex.
Main Results:
- Bilateral low VOR gain and absent bilateral utricular function were significantly associated with larger spatial orientation errors, even after adjusting for age and sex.
- Individuals with these vestibular dysfunctions performed worse on spatial orientation tasks compared to those with normal function.
Conclusions:
- Bilateral lateral semicircular canal or utricular dysfunction independently contributes to impaired rotational spatial orientation.
- Increased age is also a significant factor affecting spatial orientation ability in a healthy aging population.
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