Effect of vestibular stimulation on postural stability and mobility in elderly

Abstract

The Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS)is proven to be a promising tool to improve vestibular functioning. Decline in vestibular functioning in the elderly results in decreased capacity to identify weak signal which may lead to postural instability. Postural sway is produced when GVS is given over mastoid process. In this study our aim is to determine whether GVS can be utilized to maximize the effect of balance training programme among elderly individuals. Ambulatory community dwelling elderly (N=150, age 65.67±3.4 yrs) were randomly assigned to a control group (Group A, n=50, age 65.54±3.4 yrs), Placebo group (Group B, n=50, age 65.5±3.3 yrs) and an experimental group (Group C, n=50, age 65.98±3.5 yrs). Group A was not given any intervention while group B was given placebo stimulation along with balance training and group C was given noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation along with balance training program. Pre, mid and post data were recorded for overall stability index (OSI) (Biodex Balance Master) and Timed up and gotest (TUG) and analyzed. Compared to control group there was a significant improvement in overall stability and mobility in placebo and experimental groups. Significant difference was observed in improvement in experimental group compared with placebo group for both,OSI and TUG. Early improvement in stability and mobility was also observed in experimental group but similar results were not obtained in control and placebo groups. The outcome of this study suggests that GVS can be utilized therapeutically to optimize the efficacy of balance training clinically.