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Breuss A, Strasser M, Nuoffer JM, Klein A, Perret-Hoigné E, Felder C, Stauffer R, Wolf P, Riener R, Gautschi M. Nocturnal vestibular stimulation using a rocking bed improves a severe sleep disorder in a patient with mitochondrial disease. J Sleep Res 2024:e14153. [PMID: 38499951 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.14153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases are rare genetic disorders often accompanied by severe sleep disorders. We present the case of a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with a severe primary mitochondrial disease, exhibiting ataxia, spasticity, progressive external ophthalmoplegia, cardiomyopathy and severely disrupted sleep, but no cognitive impairment. Interestingly, his parents reported improved sleep during night train rides. Based on this observation, we installed a rocking bed in the patient's bedroom and performed different interventions, including immersive multimodal vestibular, kinesthetic and auditory stimuli, reminiscent of the sensory experiences encountered during train rides. Over a 5-month period, we conducted four 2-week nocturnal interventions, separated by 1-week washout phases, to determine the subjectively best-perceived stimulation parameters, followed by a final 4-week intervention using the optimal parameters. We assessed sleep duration and quality using the Mini Sleep Questionnaire, monitored pulse rate changes and used videography to document nocturnal interactions between the patient and caregivers. Patient-reported outcome measures, clinical examinations and personal outcomes of specific interests were used to document daytime sleepiness, restlessness, anxiety, fatigue, cognitive performance and physical posture. In the final 4-week intervention, sleep duration increased by 25%, required caregiver interactions reduced by 75%, and caregiving time decreased by 40%. Subjective fatigue, assessed by the Checklist Individual Strength, decreased by 40%, falling below the threshold of severe fatigue. Our study suggests that rocking beds could provide a promising treatment regime for selected patients with persistent severe sleep disorders. Further research is required to validate these findings in larger patient populations with sleep disorders and other conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Breuss
- ETH Zurich, Sensory-Motor Systems Lab, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Strasser
- Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Marc Nuoffer
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Paediatrics, and Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Klein
- Division of Neuropediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eveline Perret-Hoigné
- Division of Neuropediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christine Felder
- Division of Neuropediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ruth Stauffer
- Institute for Physiotherapy, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Peter Wolf
- ETH Zurich, Sensory-Motor Systems Lab, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robert Riener
- ETH Zurich, Sensory-Motor Systems Lab, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Zurich, Switzerland
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hospital Balgrist, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Gautschi
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Paediatrics, and Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Galvanic vestibular stimulation down-regulated NMDA receptors in vestibular nucleus of PD model. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18999. [PMID: 36347898 PMCID: PMC9643366 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20876-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinsonian symptoms relief by electrical stimulation is constructed by modulating neural network activity, and Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) is known to affect the neural activity for motor control by activating the vestibular afferents. However, its underlying mechanism is still elusive. Due to the tight link from the peripheral vestibular organ to vestibular nucleus (VN), the effect by GVS was investigated to understand the neural mechanism. Using Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, behavioral response, extracellular neural recording, and immunohistochemistry in VN were conducted before and after the construction of Parkinson's disease (PD) model. Animals' locomotion was tested using rota-rod, and single extracellular neuronal activity was recorded in VN. The immunohistochemistry detected AMPA and NMDA receptors in VN to assess the effects by different amounts of electrical charge (0.018, 0.09, and 0.18 coulombs) as well as normal and PD with no GVS. All PD models showed the motor impairment, and the loss of TH+ neurons in medial forebrain bundle (mfb) and striatum was observed. Sixty-five neuronal extracellular activities (32 canal & 33 otolith) were recorded, but no significant difference in the resting firing rates and the kinetic responding gain were found in the PD models. On the other hand, the numbers of AMPA and NMDA receptors increased after the construction of PD model, and the effect by GVS was significantly evident in the change of NMDA receptors (p < 0.018). In conclusion, the increased glutamate receptors in PD models were down-regulated by GVS, and the plastic modulation mainly occurred through NMDA receptor in VN.
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3
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Guo Y, Yang J, Liu Y, Chen X, Yang GZ. Detection and assessment of Parkinson's disease based on gait analysis: A survey. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:916971. [PMID: 35992585 PMCID: PMC9382193 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.916971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders represent one of the leading causes of disability and mortality in the world. Parkinson's Disease (PD), for example, affecting millions of people worldwide is often manifested as impaired posture and gait. These impairments have been used as a clinical sign for the early detection of PD, as well as an objective index for pervasive monitoring of the PD patients in daily life. This review presents the evidence that demonstrates the relationship between human gait and PD, and illustrates the role of different gait analysis systems based on vision or wearable sensors. It also provides a comprehensive overview of the available automatic recognition systems for the detection and management of PD. The intervening measures for improving gait performance are summarized, in which the smart devices for gait intervention are emphasized. Finally, this review highlights some of the new opportunities in detecting, monitoring, and treating of PD based on gait, which could facilitate the development of objective gait-based biomarkers for personalized support and treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Guo
- Institute of Medical Robotics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianxin Yang
- Institute of Medical Robotics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxuan Liu
- Institute of Medical Robotics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xun Chen
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Guang-Zhong Yang
- Institute of Medical Robotics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Pires APBDÁ, Silva TR, Torres MS, Diniz ML, Tavares MC, Gonçalves DU. Galvanic vestibular stimulation and its applications: a systematic review. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2022; 88 Suppl 3:S202-S211. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2022.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Kataoka H, Okada Y, Kiriyama T, Kita Y, Nakamura J, Shomoto K, Sugie K. Effect of galvanic vestibular stimulation on axial symptoms in Parkinson’s disease. J Cent Nerv Syst Dis 2022; 14:11795735221081599. [PMID: 35237093 PMCID: PMC8883401 DOI: 10.1177/11795735221081599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Postural imbalance, abnormal axial posture, and axial rigidity are the characteristic features of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and they are referred to as axial symptoms. The symptoms are difficult to manage since they are often resistant to both L-DOPA and deep brain stimulation. Hence, other treatments that can improve Parkinsonian axial symptoms without adverse effects are required. Vestibular dysfunction occurs in PD since neuropathological changes and reflex abnormalities are involved in the vestibular nucleus complex. Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS), which activates the vestibular system, is a noninvasive method. This review aimed to assess the clinical effect of GVS on axial symptoms in PD. To date, studies on the effects of GVS on postural instability, anterior bending posture, lateral bending posture, and trunk rigidity and akinesia in PD had yielded interesting data, and none of the patients presented with severe adverse events, and the others had mild reactions. GVS indicated a possible novel therapy. However, most included a small number of patients, and the sample sizes were not similar in some studies that included controls. In addition, there was only one randomized controlled clinical trial, and it did not perform an objective evaluation of axial symptoms. In this type of research, vestibular contributions to balance should be distinguished from others such as proprioceptive inputs or nonmotor symptoms of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kataoka
- The Department of Neurology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Yohei Okada
- Graduate School of Health Science, Kio University, Kashiba, Nara, Japan
| | - Takao Kiriyama
- The Department of Neurology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Yorihiro Kita
- Department of Rehabilitation, Nishiyamato Rehabilitation Hospital, Nara, Japan
| | - Junji Nakamura
- Department of Rehabilitation, Nishiyamato Rehabilitation Hospital, Nara, Japan
| | - Koji Shomoto
- Graduate School of Health Science, Kio University, Kashiba, Nara, Japan
| | - Kazuma Sugie
- The Department of Neurology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
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Duncan SJ, Kamyla M, Ferguson HJ, Wilkinson DT. Extraction of the GVS electrical artifact from EEG recordings of the motor related cortical potential. J Neurosci Methods 2021; 368:109459. [PMID: 34954254 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) involves the administration of low-amplitude trans-mastoidal current which induces a dense electrical field across the scalp that is difficult to remove from the EEG record. In two proof-of-concept experiments, we designed a paradigm to evaluate functional limb movement, and tested a method of blind source separation to remove the scalp artifact induced by low-amplitude, alternating current GVS to allow measurement of the motor-related cortical response (MRCP) during voluntary movement. NEW METHOD Off-line Extended Infomax Independent Component Analysis (ICA) was applied to the concatenated dataset to identify and remove core characteristics of the artifact induced by a trans-mastoidal current (Experiment 1: 0.01Hz, 0.2-3mA; Experiment 2: 0.01Hz, 0.3-0.4mA) during finger (Experiments 1 and 2) and foot tapping (Experiment 2). RESULTS In Experiment 1, a GVS-related independent component was identified and successfully removed without compromising measurement of the MRCP. This success was replicated in Experiment 2 which included both finger and foot tapping, and a higher GVS amplitude, which resulted in the identification of additional GVS-related artifacts. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Existing methods of artifact rejection typically use an offline bandpass filter that overlaps with the frequency range of the MRCP. Even when similar ICA-based approaches have been employed, they have been applied during rest rather than active movement, have not been described in sufficient detail to enable replication, and require significant expertise and bespoke software to implement. CONCLUSION The ICA-based approach described here provides a relatively simple and accessible means by which MRCPs can be measured during alternating current GVS. This provides opportunity to identify new biomarkers associated with the therapeutic effects of GVS in people with Parkinson's disease and other disorders of voluntary movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley J Duncan
- Faculty of Sport, Health and Social Sciences, Solent University, Southampton, SO14 OYN, UK.
| | - Marques Kamyla
- School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
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7
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Pliego A, Vega R, Gómez R, Reyes-Lagos JJ, Soto E. A transient decrease in heart rate with unilateral and bilateral galvanic vestibular stimulation in healthy humans. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:4670-4681. [PMID: 34076918 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The study of cardiovascular function with galvanic vestibular stimulation has provided evidence on the neural structures that are involved in the vestibulo-autonomic reflex. This study determined if the effect on heart rate using galvanic vestibular stimulation persists after provoking a sympathetic response and if this response differs when using unilateral or transmastoid (bilateral) stimulation. We analysed heart rate and heart rate variability using unilateral and transmastoid galvanic vestibular stimulation combined with cardiovascular reflex evoked by postural change in 24 healthy human subjects. Three electrode configurations were selected for unilateral stimulation considering the anatomical location of each semicircular canal. We compared recordings performed in seated and standing positions, and with unilateral and transmastoid stimulation. With subjects seated, a significant transient decrease in heart rate was observed with unilateral stimulation. With transmastoid stimulation, heart rate decreased in both seated and standing positions. Average intervals between normal heartbeats recorded with stimulation resemble parasympathetic cardiac function induced by auricular vagal nerve stimulation. Our results indicate that unilateral stimulation does not eliminate the natural heart rate increase caused by orthostatic hypotension. In contrast, transmastoid stimulation provoked a transient reduction in heart rate, even when subjects were standing. These responses should be considered while performing experiments with galvanic vestibular stimulation and subsequent effects in cardiac regulation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Pliego
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Toluca de Lerdo, México.,Instituto de Fisiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Rosario Vega
- Instituto de Fisiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Rocío Gómez
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Toluca de Lerdo, México
| | - José J Reyes-Lagos
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Toluca de Lerdo, México
| | - Enrique Soto
- Instituto de Fisiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
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Wilkinson D. Caloric and galvanic vestibular stimulation for the treatment of Parkinson's disease: rationale and prospects. Expert Rev Med Devices 2021; 18:649-655. [PMID: 34047226 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2021.1935874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Deeply embedded within the inner ear, the sensory organs of the vestibular system are exquisitely sensitive to the orientation and movement of the head. This information constrains aspects of autonomic reflex control as well as higher-level processes involved in cognition and affect. The anatomical pathways that underline these functional interactions project to many cortical and sub-cortical brain areas, and the question arises as to whether they can be therapeutically harnessed.Areas covered: The body of work reviewed here indicates that the controlled application of galvanic or thermal current to the vestibular end-organs can modulate activity throughout the ascending vestibular network and, under appropriate conditions, reduce motor and non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease, a disease of growing prevalence and continued unmet clinical need.Expert opinion: The appeal of vestibular stimulation in Parkinson's disease is underpinned by its noninvasive nature, favorable safety profile, and capacity for home-based administration. Clinical adoption now rests on the demonstration of cost-effectiveness and on the commercial availability of suitable devices, many of which are only permitted for research use or lack functionality. Dose optimization and mechanisms-of-action studies are also needed, along with a broader awareness amongst physicians of its therapeutic potential.
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9
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Lee S, Liu A, McKeown MJ. Current perspectives on galvanic vestibular stimulation in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Expert Rev Neurother 2021; 21:405-418. [PMID: 33621149 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.1894928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) is a noninvasive technique that activates vestibular afferents, influencing activity and oscillations in a broad network of brain regions. Several studies have suggested beneficial effects of GVS on motor symptoms in Parkinson's Disease (PD).Areas covered: A comprehensive overview of the stimulation techniques, potential mechanisms of action, challenges, and future research directions.Expert opinion: This emerging technology is not currently a viable therapy. However, a complementary therapy that is inexpensive, easily disseminated, customizable, and portable is sufficiently enticing that continued research and development is warranted. Future work utilizing biomedical engineering approaches, including concomitant functional neuroimaging, have the potential to significantly increase efficacy. GVS could be explored for other PD symptoms including orthostatic hypotension, dyskinesia, and sleep disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soojin Lee
- Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford UK
| | - Aiping Liu
- Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Martin J McKeown
- Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Jagadeesan T, Rajagopal A, Sivanesan S. Vestibular stimulation: a noninvasive brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease & its implications. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 18:657-665. [PMID: 33544521 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2020-0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease, and it is characterized by both motor and neuropsychiatric problems. Effective treatment of PD requires a combination of pharmacotherapy and physiotherapy; however, existing treatment generally involves one medical discipline most probably interpretation by neurologist. This pharmacotherapy relay on dopaminergic medications which is not capable of bringing sufficient alleviation of all motor symptoms in PD. Implementing positive lifestyle activities can support patients to improve the quality of life, symptoms, and possibly slow down the disease progression. In far effective management of PD, clinics are trying to execute and promote the use of additional integrative approaches of care among PD patients. Notably, vestibular stimulation like noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) is being studied as a potential treatment for PD, and a number of studies have presented scientific evidence in support of this concept. In this review paper, we highlight the importance of vestibular stimulation in both human and animal studies as one of the promising interventional approaches for PD. All the existing studies are heterogeneous in study design, so further studies have to be conducted which meets the standards of randomized control trial with proper sample size to validate the findings of vestibular stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanalakshmi Jagadeesan
- Department of Physiology, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, India
| | - Archana Rajagopal
- Department of Physiology, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, India
| | - Senthilkumar Sivanesan
- Department of Research and Development, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, India
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Lajoie K, Marigold DS, Valdés BA, Menon C. The potential of noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation for optimizing and assisting human performance. Neuropsychologia 2021; 152:107751. [PMID: 33434573 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2021.107751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) is an emerging non-invasive brain stimulation technique. It involves applying alternating currents of different frequencies and amplitudes presented in a random, or noisy, manner through electrodes on the mastoid bones behind the ears. Because it directly activates vestibular hair cells and afferents and has an indirect effect on a variety of brain regions, it has the potential to impact many different functions. The objective of this review is twofold: (1) to review how nGVS affects motor, sensory, and cognitive performance in healthy adults; and (2) to discuss potential clinical applications of nGVS. First, we introduce the technique. We then describe the regions receiving and processing vestibular information. Next, we discuss the effects of nGVS on motor, sensory, and cognitive function in healthy adults. Subsequently, we outline its potential clinical applications. Finally, we highlight other electrical stimulation technologies and discuss why nGVS offers an alternative or complementary approach. Overall, nGVS appears promising for optimizing human performance and as an assistive technology, though further research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Lajoie
- Menrva Research Group, Schools of Mechatronic Systems Engineering and Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Daniel S Marigold
- Sensorimotor Neuroscience Lab, Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.
| | - Bulmaro A Valdés
- Menrva Research Group, Schools of Mechatronic Systems Engineering and Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Carlo Menon
- Menrva Research Group, Schools of Mechatronic Systems Engineering and Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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12
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Thomas C, Truong D, Clark TK, Datta A. Understanding current flow in Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation: A Computational Study. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2020; 2020:2442-2446. [PMID: 33018500 DOI: 10.1109/embc44109.2020.9176716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) involves the application of electrical current through electrodes placed exclusively at the mastoids or in combination with electrodes placed on other regions. It is a simple, safe modality to modulate and probe vestibular function. Despite a long history of use, it continues to be primarily used as a research tool with no fully developed therapeutic use. This is partly due to the fact that to further advance this technique, a better understanding of what structures are stimulated and by how much is needed. While models have been proposed to explain response, cellular and structural substrates confirmed empirically, the exact current flow pattern has not been investigated.The goal of this study is to therefore determine current flow patterns in GVS. In order to do so, we developed the first ultrahigh-resolution finite element model of GVS incorporating the tiny structures of interest in the inner ear. We simulated the Bilateral-Bipolar, Bilateral-Monopolar, and the Unilateral-Monopolar configurations. Specifically, we generated surface electric field magnitude plots for the brain and for structures considered most relevant to GVS mechanism of action- the semi-circular canals (SCC) and the otolith.Findings show that the Bilateral-Bipolar configuration results in the most spatially restricted flow while the Unilateral-Monopolar configuration results in the most diffuse. With respect to SCC and the otolith, both Bilateral-Bipolar and Bilateral-Monopolar configurations led to similar flow in both the left and right pairs. For the Unilateral-Monopolar configuration, we observed increased flow in the left pair.We expect via this first model developed for GVS, researchers investigating this technique to have a better understanding of the effects of different configurations. Anatomically detailed models like these may also help understand the mechanism of action and may guide the rational design of future GVS administration.
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13
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Caloric vestibular stimulation for the management of motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2019; 65:261-266. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2019.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Kuatsjah E, Khoshnam M, Menon C. Investigation on the effect of noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation on fine motor skills during a visuomotor task in healthy participants. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216214. [PMID: 31048906 PMCID: PMC6497271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) has been shown to improve dynamic walking stability, affect postural responses, enhance balance in healthy subjects, and influence motor performance in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Although the studies to fully characterize the effect of nGVS are still ongoing, stochastic resonance theory which states that the addition of noisy signal may enhance a weak sensory input signals transmission in a non-linear system may provide a possible explanation for the observed positive effects of nGVS. This study explores the effect of nGVS on fine tracking behavior in healthy subjects. Ten healthy participants performed a computer-based visuomotor task by controlling an object with a joystick to follow an amplitude-modulated signal path while simultaneously receiving a sham or pink noise nGVS. The stimulation was generated to have a zero-mean, linearly detrended 1/f-type power spectrum, Gaussian distribution within 0.1–10 Hz range, and a standard deviation (SD) set to 90% based on each participant’s cutaneous threshold value. Results show that simultaneous nGVS delivery statistically improved the tracking performance with a decreased root-mean-squared error of 5.71±6.20% (mean±SD), a decreased time delay of 11.88±9.66% (mean±SD), and an increased signal-to-noise ratio of 2.93% (median, interquartile range (IQR) 3.31%). This study showed evidence that nGVS may be beneficial in improving sensorimotor performance during a fine motor tracking task requiring fine wrist movement in healthy subjects. Further research with a more comprehensive subset of tasks is required to fully characterize the effects of nGVS on fine motor skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Kuatsjah
- Menrva Research Group, Schools of Mechatronic Systems Engineering and Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mahta Khoshnam
- Menrva Research Group, Schools of Mechatronic Systems Engineering and Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Carlo Menon
- Menrva Research Group, Schools of Mechatronic Systems Engineering and Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
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15
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Abstract
For decades it has been speculated that Parkinson's Disease (PD) is associated with dysfunction of the vestibular system, especially given that postural instability is one of the major symptoms of the disorder. Nonetheless, clear evidence of such a connection has been slow to emerge. There are still relatively few studies of the vestibulo-ocular reflexes (VORs) in PD. However, substantial evidence of vestibulo-spinal reflex deficits, in the form of abnormal vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), now exists. The evidence for abnormalities in the subjective visual vertical is less consistent. However, some studies suggest that the integration of visual and vestibular information may be abnormal in PD. In the last few years, a number of studies have been published which demonstrate that the neuropathology associated with PD, such as Lewy bodies, is present in the central vestibular system. Increasingly, stochastic or noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) is being investigated as a potential treatment for PD, and a number of studies have presented evidence in support of this idea. The aim of this review is to summarize and critically evaluate the human and animal evidence relating to the connection between the vestibular system and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul F Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences and The Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Brain Research New Zealand Centre of Research Excellence, Eisdell Moore Centre for Hearing and Balance Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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