None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
We want to understand how the sensory information from the foot and information from the inner ear (vestibular system) work together to help us keep balanced on our feet. In this study we are adding an extra stimulation to the inner ear to see if this affects balance. The stimulation we are adding is called noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS). Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) has been used for over 100 years to investigate balance and is a safe method. In our study we are using a particular form of GVS called nGVS, in which a weak stimulus that is not usually felt or heard is used. The aim of this study is to determine whether nGVS changes the sensory perception of tactile stimulus in healthy older adults i.e., how well a person feels sensory inputs in the foot. Also, determine whether change in sensory perception alters COP sway length. The results of this study will provide a greater understanding of the effects of nGVS on balance in future, the study may help in developing a new treatment using nGVS for people with poor balance. The findings of this research may be used for academic publications and presentations in various research journals or conferences.
Interventions
Following the baseline (pre-stimulation) measurement, the participants will receive one of the two intervention conditions for 20 minutes in a randomised order with a period of 2 to 7 days between each condition. The two conditions for interventions are as follows:
i. nGVS: The participant will receive 20 minutes of real nGVS.
ii. Control protocol (sham): The participant will receive 20 minutes sham (electrodes applied, but no stimulation is given).
Procedure: nGVS stimulation will be given thr
Following the baseline (pre-stimulation) measurement, the participants will receive one of the two intervention conditions for 20 minutes in a randomised order with a period of 2 to 7 days between each condition. The two conditions for interventions are as follows: i. nGVS: The participant will receive 20 minutes of real nGVS. ii. Control protocol (sham): The participant will receive 20 minutes sham (electrodes applied, but no stimulation is given). Procedure: nGVS stimulation will be given through through 1X1 Galvanic vestibular stimulator (Soterix Mediacl Ltd.) The parameters set for the noisy galvanic stimulation (subthreshold) @ Waveform: Random Noise; Intensity: 1 mA; Polarity: Bipolar; Durations: 20 minutes; Mode of delivery: will be provided individually; Number of times: It will be given once for 20 minutes; Electrodes placement: Electrodes will be placed behind the ears on mastoid process Intervention fidelity will be used by reading the detailed manual script of treatment manual given by Soterix Medical Ltd. and through structural training. Person who delievers: Researcher herself who is a practising physiotherapist in New Zealand with 10 years of experience; Location: VR lab, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland university of Technology, Akoranga, New Zealand.
Sponsors
Auckland University of Technology
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Crossover
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Subject, Caregiver)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
65 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Adults aged 65 years and over Right-handed Can stand for 1 hour without any difficulty or assistance (which is divided into 3 sessions of 20 minutes standing, with 2 minutes of break in between each 20-minute period) Willing to take part in research for two sessions Willing to give consent to touch head and neck Can come to AUT Lab at Akoranga campus
Exclusion criteria
Diagnosed vestibular disorder or active BPPV Fallen more than twice in the past 6 months Any diagnosed neurological impairment Medical conditions that are contraindicated with nGVS such as implants in head, neck, ankle or right foot, epilepsy, cardiac arrhythmias, unexplained recurring headaches, diabetic neuropathy Medical conditions that are cautioned with electrical pheripheral stimulation of the foot such as metal implants in the area, skin lesions Medical conditions that might affect the testing such as such as speech dysfunction, cognitive impairment Any allergic skin reaction to sticking plasters as a similar substance is used in the foot electrodes and to fix the nGVS electrodes
Outcome results
None listed