This study will investigate the influence of head-on-trunk position on postural sway in healthy adults using galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS). During GVS, a small electric current is applied through electrodes placed over the mastoid. The stimulus hyperpolarizes the vestibular nerve on the cathode side and hypopolarizes the vestibular nerve on the anode side. This results in postural sway towards the anode. It is hypothesized that turning the head relative to the trunk will result in a line of sway parallel to a line through the mastoids. Subjects will be asked to stand with their feet together on a force platform. Trials will be conducted with the head forward, and then turned 20,40 and 60 degrees to the right and left with and without the application of sinusoidal GVS. Direction and magnitude of the excursion of center of pressure will be measured using a force platform. The angular and linear movement of the head (forehead), thorax (T4/T5), and pelvis (S2) will be measured using electromagnetic sensors. If a significant difference is found in magnitude and direction of postural sway with different head positions, then the applicability to clinical practice will be investigated. The research protocol will be repeated, as part of a pilot study, with a few patients with a diagnosis of recent whiplash injury with and without complaints of dizziness. If a significant difference is found in the magnitude or direction of postural sway in patients with whiplash injuries as compared with healthy adults then it may prove useful as a diagnostic tool or as an outcome measure to evaluate treatment intervention.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
3F31DC004784-01S1
Application #
6453888
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1 (02))
Program Officer
Sklare, Dan
Project Start
2000-09-15
Project End
Budget Start
2000-09-15
Budget End
2001-09-14
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$14,179
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Otolaryngology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
053785812
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213
Whitney, Susan L; Wrisley, Diane M; Marchetti, Gregory F et al. (2005) Clinical measurement of sit-to-stand performance in people with balance disorders: validity of data for the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test. Phys Ther 85:1034-45
Whitney, Susan L; Wrisley, Diane M; Brown, Kathryn E et al. (2004) Is perception of handicap related to functional performance in persons with vestibular dysfunction? Otol Neurotol 25:139-43
Whitney, Susan L; Wrisley, Diane M (2004) The influence of footwear on timed balance scores of the modified clinical test of sensory interaction and balance. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 85:439-43
Wrisley, Diane M; Marchetti, Gregory F; Kuharsky, Diane K et al. (2004) Reliability, internal consistency, and validity of data obtained with the functional gait assessment. Phys Ther 84:906-18
Wrisley, Diane M; Whitney, Susan L (2004) The effect of foot position on the modified clinical test of sensory interaction and balance. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 85:335-8
Whitney, Susan; Wrisley, Diane; Furman, Joseph (2003) Concurrent validity of the Berg Balance Scale and the Dynamic Gait Index in people with vestibular dysfunction. Physiother Res Int 8:178-86
Whitney, Susan L; Wrisley, Diane M; Marchetti, Gregory F et al. (2002) The effect of age on vestibular rehabilitation outcomes. Laryngoscope 112:1785-90
Wrisley, Diane M; Whitney, Susan L; Furman, Joseph M (2002) Vestibular rehabilitation outcomes in patients with a history of migraine. Otol Neurotol 23:483-7
Brown, K E; Whitney, S L; Wrisley, D M et al. (2001) Physical therapy outcomes for persons with bilateral vestibular loss. Laryngoscope 111:1812-7