Studies of Vestibular Loss

Scientist Seeks Volunteers for Study of Bilateral Vestibular Loss

Robert Peterka Ph.D.  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 of 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’. This 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 the subjects will hold in their mouth.

During posture testing, the subject will stand on a platform viewing a visual surround. During a trial, the visual surround, 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 to developing a balance aid to help people who have a balance loss.

A subject may choose to do one to four tests. Each test takes about two 2-to-3-hour sessions. Financial compensation will be provided.

Subject Criteria:

In order to qualify for these research studies, subjects will need to be between 18 and 70 years of age, and in generally good health without any history of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or joint disorders. Subjects will be compensated $35 per session. Limited travel funds may be available when travel time exceeds 3 hours one-way.

Please apply only if your vestibular loss has been previously confirmed by rotation or caloric testing.

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

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