ePoster

Galvanic vestibular stimulation improves visuospatial ability in healthy older adults

Evrim Gökçe, Emma Milot, Antoine Langeard, Gaëlle Quarck
FENS Forum 2024(2024)
Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, Vienna, Austria

Conference

FENS Forum 2024

Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, Vienna, Austria

Resources

Authors & Affiliations

Evrim Gökçe, Emma Milot, Antoine Langeard, Gaëlle Quarck

Abstract

The negative impact of aging on the vestibular system and the integration of vestibular inputs by the central nervous system can potentially worsen the lack of vestibular input in areas related to cognition, leading to a decline in cognitive function. Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation (GVS) is a non-invasive method that uses weak electrical currents to stimulate the vestibular system through electrodes placed over the mastoid processes. This study aimed to investigate whether GVS may improve cognitive performance in healthy older adults. Twenty-one subjects (12 female, age: 64.6 ± 2.9) were randomly assigned to GVS (n = 10) or control group (CG) (n = 11). The GVS group self-administered bipolar GVS at home for 20 minutes, five sessions per week for two weeks. Cognitive functions were evaluated with the Stroop Test, Trail Making Test A & B, Baddeley's dual-task (digit recall + tracking task), and computerized long-term memory test at baseline and after the intervention. A mixed model ANOVA revealed a significant interaction effect for tracking task accuracy F (1,18) = 7.713, p = 0.012, np2 = 0.30. Follow-up subgroup analysis showed that tracking accuracy increased only in the GVS group (p = 0.029). Since the tracking test requires visuospatial processing, our findings suggest that GVS effectively improves visuospatial ability. Home-based GVS applications may be a promising strategy for enhancing older adults' cognitive functions. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to investigate whether GVS is effective on cognitive functions in vestibular disorders.

Unique ID: fens-24/galvanic-vestibular-stimulation-improves-ba772655