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Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Is Modulated by Noisy Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation
Akiyoshi Matsugi1, Tomoyuki Shiozaki2, Hiroaki Tanaka3
1Faculty of Rehabilitation, Shijonawate Gakuen University, Daitou, Japan.
Frontiers in Neurology
|March 7, 2022
Summary
Noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) at 0.2 mA inhibits the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), while 0.6 mA increases body sway. These effects on VOR and balance appear independent in healthy adults.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Vestibular System
Background:
- The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) stabilizes gaze during head movements.
- Noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) is a non-invasive tool to modulate vestibular input.
- The relationship between nGVS effects on VOR and postural control is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of nGVS on VOR gain and body sway in healthy adults.
- To determine if nGVS-induced changes in VOR correlate with changes in postural control.
Main Methods:
- Thirty healthy adults underwent noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) at varying intensities (0.2, 0.6, 1.2 mA) or sham stimulation.
- VOR gain was assessed using the video head impulse test (vHIT), measuring VOR-gain-60 ms and VOR-gain-RS.
- Body sway was quantified by calculating the center of pressure total path length (COP-TL).
Main Results:
- nGVS at 0.2 mA significantly reduced VOR-gain-RS, indicating VOR inhibition.
- nGVS at 0.6 mA significantly increased COP-TL, suggesting increased body sway.
- A significant difference in VOR-gain-60 ms was observed between 0.2 mA and 1.2 mA nGVS.
- No significant correlation was found between COP-TL and VOR parameters.
Conclusions:
- nGVS at 0.2 mA can inhibit the VOR in healthy individuals.
- nGVS at 0.6 mA can increase body sway during upright standing.
- The effects of nGVS on VOR and postural control appear to be independent in healthy adults.
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