感覚代行技術による最重度平衡障害の新治療

抄録

This clinical trial investigated whether a new rehabilitation therapy using the sensory substitution system was an effective treatment for severe balance disorder in subjects with bilateral vestibular loss.
The device which substitutes for vestibular input by transmitting information on head position to the tongue, consists of a tilt sensor for detecting head position, a 10×10 electrode array for interfacing with tongue, and a controller for processing information. Subjects who placed the electrode array on the tongue were trained to maintain a centered body position by keeping the signals on the middle of tongue using the electrode array. All subjects completed 5-20 minute training sessions 2-3 times per day for 8 weeks. Dynamic stability and gait function were tested using the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), respectively, before and after all training sessions.
All subjects showed pronounced improvements in their balance performance. The average of SOT score and DGI had significantly decreased after the last training. Improvements were also noted in quality of life assessments such as the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale.
These results suggest that alternative sensory input through the tongue could substitute for vestibular function and the vestibular substitution device is a possible new rehabilitation tool for subjects with a persistent balance disorder who have a long term history of bilateral peripheral vestibular etiologies.