Introduction: Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) is a well-established technique with a history spanning over a century, primarily used to manipulate the vestibular system. Recent interest has surged in its potential for understanding human vestibular function and aiding in functional recovery. GVS applies electrical currents to the mastoid region, modulating vestibular afferents, and induces specific effects based on the participant's posture and current polarity. While GVS's impact on the central nervous system and its potential to aid in functional recovery have been studied, its immediate effects on vestibular reflexes remain less explored. Methods: In this study, thirty healthy adult participants underwent ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) tests, as well as the velocity Head Impulse Test (vHIT) before and immediately after one hour of GVS application. Statistical analyses were performed to assess changes in VEMP and vHIT results.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation (GVS) is a non-invasive technique that uses low-level electrical currents to stimulate the vestibular system, affecting balance, posture, and eye movements. It has applications in research, clinical assessment, and rehabilitation of vestibular and balance-related issues, as well as potential applications in cognitive and motor function enhancement.
Istanbul Medipol University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Cervical Vestibuler Evoked Myogenic Potentials
Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) are muscle reflexes that occur in response to high-intensity acoustic stimuli delivered to the ear. These responses can be easily recorded using surface electrodes placed on the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) or near the inferior oblique muscle .
Time frame: 5 months
Ocular Vestibuler Evoked Myogenic Potentials
Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) are muscle reflexes that occur in response to high-intensity acoustic stimuli delivered to the ear. Ocular VEMP (oVEMP) recorded from surface electrodes placed under the eyes.
Time frame: 5 months
Video Head Impulse Test
The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is responsible for stabilizing images on the fovea during head movement. The velocity Head Impulse Test (vHIT) battery is a standard test for measuring head and eye movements, enabling the calculation of the gain of eye speed. The vHIT system typically employs light goggles to monitor eye position through cameras, along with a gyroscope to measure angular head movements, facilitating the computation of VOR gain.
Time frame: 5 months
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