We aimed to investigate the effects of off-vertical axis (OVAR) and multiplanar whole-body vestibular rotational therapy on balance and stability. We, personally, witnessed great outcomes using such technology, and the therapy has gained attention for its use in treating sports concussions and traumatic brain injuries affecting gait and posture. However, we wanted to evaluate the isolated effects of vestibular rotational stimulation without combining it with other rehabilitation strategies.
Methods
- Participants: 52 healthy adult volunteers (aged 20-60) without neurological conditions or balance issues.
- Study Design:
- Subjects underwent computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) to assess baseline balance.
- Based on head posture (pitch/yaw), they were assigned to one of four groups for different rotational stimulations using a Gyrostim vestibular chair.
- The rotational stimulation involved yaw and pitch movements at 90 degrees per second over a 40-second duration.
- Balance was reassessed immediately after, one day later, and one week later.
Key Findings
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Balance Stability Improvement (Temporary)
- Immediately after stimulation, participants showed a modest but statistically significant improvement in stability, as indicated by:
- Increased Stability Score (less postural sway).
- Reduced Normalized 95% Confidence Ellipse Area (less variability in movement).
- However, these effects disappeared within one day, suggesting that vestibular stimulation alone has only a short-term impact.
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Limits of Stability (LoS)
- The therapy led to a temporary decrease in the leftward limit of stability, meaning subjects had a reduced ability to shift weight to the left.
- The overall limit of stability became more uniform (less elliptical and more circular), which might indicate a shift in postural control strategy.
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No Long-Term Effects
- Neither the evaluation method nor the stimulation itself significantly altered participants' overall Limits of Stability in the long term.
- No significant changes were seen in other posturographic measures after 24 hours.
Conclusions
- Multiplanar vestibular rotational stimulation has a small but measurable short-term effect on balance.
- The effects do not last beyond one day, indicating that this therapy should not be used as a standalone treatment.
- The findings suggest that vestibular stimulation should be part of a multimodal rehabilitation program rather than an isolated intervention.
- Future research should refine evaluation methods to better tailor rotational therapy for individual patients.
Clinical Implications
While vestibular stimulation may temporarily enhance balance, a more targeted approach with additional therapies is required for sustained benefits. The study highlights the importance of integrating vestibular therapy with other therapies, in a broader rehabilitation strategy, particularly for patients with traumatic brain injuries or balance disorders.
