Studies of Vestibular Loss

Scientists seek volunteers for study of bilateral or unilateral vestibular loss. Robert Peterka, PhD, is currently looking for persons with confirmed bilateral vestibular loss to participate in one or more research studies of human balance function at the West Campus, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon.

Bilateral Vestibular Loss: Persons with bilateral loss confirmed by caloric or rotation testing are needed to participate in a research study involving rotation and posture testing. This study is entitled Sensorimotor Integration in Human Postural Control. The purpose of this study is to better understand how sensory information contributes to balance.

Subjects will receive specialized rotation and extensive posture testing.

• During rotation testing, a subject will sit in a chair that turns from side to side. The tests will be performed in the dark, and the subject's eye movements will be recorded using small video cameras mounted to a bite plate held in the subject’s mouth.
• During posture testing, the subject will stand on a platform viewing a visual surround. During a trial, the visual surround, the platform, or both may move. Subjects will be secured at all times with a safety harness to prevent injury from falling.

In one study, electrodes will be put on the skin behind the ears and used to give extra balance information to the brain. Understanding how to give useful balance information to the brain is an important step in developing a balance aid to help people who have a balance loss.

A subject may choose to do one to four tests. Each test involves two sessions that are approximately 2-3 hours long. Financial compensation will be provided.

Subject Criteria: In order to qualify for these research studies, subjects will need to be between 18 and 80 years of age and in generally good health, without any history of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or joint disorders. Subjects will be compensated at $25 per session. Limited travel funds may be available when travel time exceeds three hours one way. Please apply only if your vestibular loss has been previously confirmed by rotation or caloric testing.

Contact: If you are interested in participating, please contact Lisa Taylor at (503) 418-2618 or ecclese@ohsu.edu.

Research is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These research projects are in compliance with the Oregon Health & Science University Institutional Review Board. Approval numbers: 177, 675.