1988 Volume 47 Issue 4 Pages 391-395
In order to clarify the influence of vestibular stimulation (pressure applied to the external auditory canal and monopolar galvanic stimulation) and vestibular disorders on the formation of stepping rhythm, we investigated the timing of the swing phase of stepping rhythm (1.2Hz) in 15 normal subjects and seven patients with Meniere's disease.
1) There was no difference between the duration of the swing phase from the right foot to the left foot and from the left foot to the right foot.
2) Pressure applied to the ears unilaterally or bi-laterally caused on earlier swing phase in normal subjects.
3) In the normal subjects with galvanic stimulation, there was a significant difference between the start of the swing phase from the right foot to the left foot and that from the left foot to the right foot.
4) The timing of the swing phases in patients with Meniere's disease was similar to that in normal subjects with pressure applied to the external auditory canal.
