The Effect of Head Tilt and Soft Surface on Virtual SVV in Normal Subjects

The Effect of Head Tilt and Soft Surface on Virtual SVV in Normal Subjects

The sense of gravity is one of the important input of our balance system. The utricle is the key structure on this subject but the contribution of the proprioceptive receptors is also important. The aim of this study is to measure the effect of different angles of head tilt and soft surface on SVV in healthy subjects with a new automated system.

Two different settings will be used. In the first experiment, healthy subjects will make 15, 30, and 45-degree head tilt to the left and right side while they are standing. In every position, 3 measurements will be done. In the second experiment, 40 health subjects will make the same head maneuvers on the 20 cm thick soft surface. We will compare the effects of both head tilt and soft surface. All measurements will be done with a virtual SVV system(Interacoustics).

Inclusion Criteria:

• No ear disease
• No neurologic disease
• No surgery for ear, brain or musculoskeletal system

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Drug use effective on central nervous system