Noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) combined with a multisensory balance programme in older adults with moderate to high falls risk: A feasibility study for an RCT  (Preprint)

AbstractAmeliorating 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.

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Postural responses of galvanic vestibular stimulation: comparison between groups of older adults and young people

Revista Brasileira de Geriatria e Gerontologia ◽

10.1590/1981-22562019022.190091 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 22 (5) ◽

Author(s):

Regiane Luz Carvalho ◽

Matheus Machado Gomes ◽

Laura Ferreira de Rezende Franco ◽

Daniela Cristina Carvalho de Abreu

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Muscle Activity ◽

Muscle Activation ◽

Center Of Pressure ◽

Sensory Information ◽

Vestibular Stimulation ◽

Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation ◽

Intensity Level ◽

Motor Strategy ◽

Postural Responses

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect of vestibular manipulation on the postural sway and muscle activation of younger and older adults. Methods: The study analyzed the effects of three intensity levels of galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) (0.3; 0.6 and 1m) on the pattern of muscle activity and center of pressure (CP) displacements of 12 older adults (EG) and 12 young adults (CG) while maintaining their balance on a stable surface, with no vision. Results: The EG showed a positive correlation between CP displacement and muscle activity and GVS intensity. On the other hand, the magnitude of postural response in the EG was not modulated in accordance with GVS intensities. Additionally, during the highest GVS intensity level (1 mA) greater muscle activity was used to increase stiffness, decrease the amplitude of oscillation and ensure stability. This unusual response characterizes a pattern of co-activation and is perhaps a safety mechanism to ensure stability. Conclusion: The EG individuals were not able to select the appropriate motor strategy to efficiently compensate the effects of GVS. This unusual strategy reflects deficits in the vestibular system of older adults, a fact which negatively interferes with their ability to reevaluate sensory information.

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Effects of galvanic vestibular stimulation on subjective visual vertical and static eye deviation

Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology ◽

10.1016/s0013-4694(97)88208-2 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 103 (1) ◽

pp. 67

Author(s):

R Zink

Keyword(s):

Vestibular Stimulation ◽

Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation ◽

Subjective Visual Vertical ◽

Visual Vertical

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Anticipatory Care Planning Intervention for Older Adults at Risk of Functional Decline: A Primary Care Feasibility Study

Case Medical Research ◽

10.31525/ct1-nct03902743 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Primary Care ◽

At Risk ◽

Feasibility Study ◽

Functional Decline ◽

Care Planning ◽

Planning Intervention

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Effect of noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation on dynamic posture sway under visual deprivation in patients with bilateral vestibular hypofunction

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-83206-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Po-Yin Chen ◽

Ying-Chun Jheng ◽

Chien-Chih Wang ◽

Shih-En Huang ◽

Ting-Hua Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Light Exposure ◽

Light Condition ◽

Vestibular Stimulation ◽

Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation ◽

Lateral Deviation ◽

Clinical Trial Registration ◽

Vestibular Hypofunction ◽

Dark Conditions ◽

Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction

AbstractA single-blind study to investigate the effects of noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) in straight walking and 2 Hz head yaw walking for healthy and bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH) participants in light and dark conditions. The optimal stimulation intensity for each participant was determined by calculating standing stability on a force plate while randomly applying six graded nGVS intensities (0–1000 µA). The chest–pelvic (C/P) ratio and lateral deviation of the center of mass (COM) were measured by motion capture during straight and 2 Hz head yaw walking in light and dark conditions. Participants were blinded to nGVS served randomly and imperceivably. Ten BVH patients and 16 healthy participants completed all trials. In the light condition, the COM lateral deviation significantly decreased only in straight walking (p = 0.037) with nGVS for the BVH. In the dark condition, both healthy (p = 0.026) and BVH (p = 0.017) exhibited decreased lateral deviation during nGVS. The C/P ratio decreased significantly in BVH for 2 Hz head yaw walking with nGVS (p = 0.005) in light conditions. This study demonstrated that nGVS effectively reduced walking deviations, especially in visual deprived condition for the BVH. Applying nGVS with different head rotation frequencies and light exposure levels may accelerate the rehabilitation process for patients with BVH.Clinical Trial Registration This clinical trial was prospectively registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov with the Unique identifier: NCT03554941. Date of registration: (13/06/2018).

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