Abstract
The stabilograms of subjects standing still while undergoing impulse stimulation were analyzed. This challenge was designed to test the postural restoration reflex system, which the stabilogram at rest cannot do. The response for a stabilogram regarding the center of gravity was measured and analyzed with the damping coefficient used as an indicator when two kinds of loads, namely, impulse simulation and mild impulse were both applied as stimulating input. Using the mild impulse stimulation, the lineality of the response was examined by spreading an impact buffer mat under the subject. Based on the results of impulse stimulation, the subjects were then divides into the normal group, the vestibular disorder group and the central disorder group; a singnificant differece in the damping coefficient was noted between the groups. Using a mild impulse as stimulation, the subjects mostly consisted of patients with a unilateral vestibular disorder; the damping coefficients on correcting the stimulation in the direction of the affected side was significantly smaller than the damping coefficient for correcting the stimulation on the healthy side. Based on the above findings, this testing method is therefore considered to be useful for screening patients presenting with dizziness.
