%0 Journal Article
%T Weak magnetic vestibular stimulation decreases postural sway.
%A Tanaka K
%A Sugiura A
%J Neurosci Lett
%V 836
%N 0
%D 2024 Jul 27
%M 38997081
%F 3.197
%R 10.1016/j.neulet.2024.137891
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Perceptible galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) causes nystagmus and postural sway deterioration. Conversely, imperceptible GVS improves postural stability, suggesting the presence of stochastic resonance.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>Similar to GVS, strong magnetic vestibular stimulation of 7 T induces nystagmus and increases body sway. Thus, a relatively small magnetic stimulation may improve postural stability. In this study, we measured the effect of a relatively small magnetic field on postural sway.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Posturography was performed in eight healthy participants using a stabilometer with foam rubber on board. The center of pressure (COP) trajectories were recorded in both the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions for 60 s with the eye closed. Neodymium magnets (0.4 T) or aluminum disks of similar size (0 T) were placed bilaterally over the mastoid processes.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Both the trajectory length and envelopment area of the COP movement with 0.4 T were significantly smaller than those with 0 T.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>The relatively smaller magnetic vestibular stimulation decreased postural sway. This method may be useful for improving the vestibular function and related reflexes.