The Influence of Vestibular Stimulation Training on Static Balance during Standing in Healthy Young Adults

Purpose: We investigated a better method to enhance the vestibular system including balancing by comparing the vestibular stimulation exercise (VSE) and galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS). Methods: The study was performed with 40 subjects randomized into four groups, including a control group, a VSE group, a GVS group, and a VSE with GVS group. The subjects of VSE performed a forward and backward roll, a right side and left side roll, and an equilibrium board in vestibular stimulation training. GVS was applied for 10 minutes and the cathode and anode side were then changed and GVS was then applied for the remaining 10 minutes. GVS was applied for 20 minutes to the subjects of this group after completion of the VSE program. Results: In the control group, all conditions were significantly decreased (p<0.05) compared to the VSE with GVS group. Also, the center of pressure (CoP) surface was more significantly decreased (p<0.01) and the CoP speed was significantly decreased in the one legged stance (p<0.05) in the control group compared to the GVS group. Conclusion: These findings suggested that GVS training increases balance ability in a narrow width. VSE with GVS training is therefore recommend as the superior method. Using GVS or VSE with GVS training is considered to clinically improve balance ability by stimulating the vestibular system.