Development of a novel assessment method to elucidate the role of vestibular sensation in standing posture control in a stepwise and quantitative manner

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K12628
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 90110:Biomedical engineering-related
• Research Institution: Hiroshima City University
• Principal Investigator: Tokiwa Tatsuji 広島市立大学, 情報科学研究科, 准教授 (00636219)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 立位姿勢制御 / 音刺激 / めまい・ふらつき / 前庭誘発筋電位

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this study was to propose and develop a new evaluation method for vestibular function and upright postural control using auditory input, with the goal of elucidating the role of vestibular sensation in upright postural control in a stepwise and quantitative manner. During the research period, we carried out: 1) construction of a high-intensity sound presentation system, 2) calibration of stimulus sound frequency and sound pressure, 3) measurement of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials using calibrated high-intensity sounds, and 4) measurement and evaluation of center of gravity sway using calibrated high-intensity sounds. Through this research, we were able to consider the possibility that vestibular sensation activated by auditory stimuli may be effective in upright postural control.

Free Research Field

生体医工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

立位姿勢制御における前庭覚の役割を段階的・定量的に解明することを目指し，音入力を用いた前庭覚機能及び立位姿勢制御機能の新たな評価法を提案・開発した．本研究を通して，従来未解明であった音が前庭覚および立位姿勢に及ぼす影響について一定の知見を得ることができた．本研究を応用することで，高齢者における「めまい」「ふらつき」を能動的に減少させる新たなリハビリテーション手法の提案やリハビリテーション機器を開発できる可能性があり社会的意義が大きいと考えられる．