Subthreshold Vestibular Stimulation as a Strategy for Rehabilitation
Creighton University
Summary
The nervous system responds to changes in external or internal conditions by altering the behavior of neurons through multiple forms of neural plasticity. A specific form of plasticity, "homeostatic plasticity", stabilizes neural activity by driving the excitability of neurons toward a "set-point" level of activity. Over the last six years, new data have come to light showing that the vestibular system also possess a robust capacity to modulate sensitivity to self-motion cues in response to prolonged periods of motion. Collectively, these studies have demonstrated a capacity to use motion perturbations (i.e., low, or high levels of vestibular stimulation) to dynamically adjust the sensitivity of the vestibular system on both the single neuron and behavioral levels. The ability to use subthreshold motion stimuli to drive plasticity in the vestibular system motivates this study. The investigators aim to determine the impact of subthreshold motion on (a) balance performance and (b) balance training in individuals with peripheral vestibular hypofunction.
Description
The investigators aim to test (1) if sub threshold motion improves motion perception, (2) if sub threshold motion improves balance performance, and (3) if sub threshold motion prior to balance training leads to improved balance performance. Twenty-four subjects with peripheral vestibular hypofunction (12 with bilateral and 12 with unilateral hypofunction) and twenty-four healthy control participants will complete the study. Each participant will complete four visits to the laboratory. Day 1 will measure the capacity to modify balance and self-motion perception after a single block of subthresh…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 19–89 years
- Sex