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Smith LJ, Pyke W, Fowler R, Matthes B, de Goederen E, Surenthiran S. Impact and experiences of vestibular disorders and psychological distress: Qualitative findings from patients, family members and healthcare professionals. Health Expect 2023; 27:e13906. [PMID: 37915279 PMCID: PMC10757133 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People with vestibular disorders frequently experience reduced quality of life and challenges with activities of daily living. Anxiety, depression and cognitive problems often co-present with vestibular disorders and can aggravate symptoms and prolong clinical recovery. We aimed to gain in-depth insights into the impact of vestibular disorders and the contribution of psychological factors by exploring multistakeholder perspectives. METHODS Semistructured interviews were conducted between October 2021 and March 2022 with 47 participants in the United Kingdom including: 20 patients (age M = 50.45 ± 13.75; 15 females), nine family members (age M = 61.0 ± 14.10; four females), and 18 healthcare professionals. Data were analysed using framework analysis. RESULTS Vestibular disorders impact diverse aspects of patients' lives including work, household chores, socialising, and relationships with family and friends. Being unable to engage in valued activities or fulfil social roles contributes to feelings of grief and frustration, affecting identity, confidence, and autonomy. Anxiety and low mood contribute to negative thought processes, avoidance, and social withdrawal, which can impede clinical recovery through reduced activity levels, and end engagement with treatment. Coping strategies were thought to help empower patients to self-manage their symptoms and regain a sense of control, but these require oversight from healthcare providers. CONCLUSIONS Daily activity limitations, social participation restrictions, and psychological distress can interact to impact quality of life, sense of self, and clinical recovery amongst people with vestibular disorders. Information and resources could aid societal awareness of the impact of vestibular disorders and help patients and families feel understood. An individualised and comprehensive approach that concurrently addresses mental, physical, social, and occupational needs is likely to be beneficial. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Two group meetings were held at the beginning and end of the study with a patient and public involvement network formed of people with vestibular disorders and family members. These individuals commented on the study aims, interview schedule, participant recruitment practices, and interpretation of the themes identified. Two core patient members were involved at all stages of the research. These individuals contributed to the formulation of the interview schedule, development and application of the coding scheme, development and interpretation of themes, and preparation of the final manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J. Smith
- Centre for Preventative Neurology, Wolfson Institute of Population HealthQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
- School of Psychology, Keynes CollegeUniversity of KentKentUK
| | - Wesley Pyke
- School of Psychology, Keynes CollegeUniversity of KentKentUK
| | - Rosanna Fowler
- School of Psychology, Keynes CollegeUniversity of KentKentUK
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2
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Carretti G, Manetti M, Marini M. Physical activity and sport practice to improve balance control of visually impaired individuals: a narrative review with future perspectives. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1260942. [PMID: 37780118 PMCID: PMC10534048 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1260942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Visual disability negatively impacts balance, everyday self-efficacy, and mobility and often leads affected subjects to perceive physical exercise as a burdensome challenge thus discouraging them from practicing. Despite the well-proven benefits of regular physical activity in visually impaired people, especially addressing postural control, there are no specific guidelines and most of the available literature seems to be flawed by critical issues. Given the wide heterogeneity and the multidimensional needs of this population, a more realistic and target-specific perspective is needed in order to properly investigate and promote exercise practice and adherence for balance improvement. On this basis, through a critical overview of the recent literature, the present article aimed to enrich the current knowledge about this topic by providing innovative suggestions, both practical and methodological, and specifically deepening the disability-related deficits and peculiarities of different age ranges. Moreover, since a multidisciplinary approach is advisable when designing and leading exercise protocols tailored to visually impaired individuals, such innovative hints also highlighted the central role of the adapted physical activity specialist, hence contributing to foster its official professional recognition and involvement in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mirca Marini
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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3
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Smith PF. Interpreting the meaning of changes in hippocampal volume associated with vestibular loss. Front Integr Neurosci 2023; 17:1254972. [PMID: 37608860 PMCID: PMC10440551 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2023.1254972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Many studies have documented cognitive deficits, especially spatial cognitive deficits, in patients with some form of vestibular loss. Almost 20 years ago, hippocampal (HPC) atrophy was reported to be correlated with spatial memory deficits in such patients and the idea has gradually emerged that HPC atrophy may be causally responsible for the cognitive deficits. However, the results of studies of HPC volume following vestibular loss have not always been consistent, and a number of studies have reported no evidence of HPC atrophy. This paper argues that HPC atrophy, if it does occur following vestibular loss, may not be directly, causally responsible for the cognitive deficits, and that it is more likely that rapid functional changes in the HPC are responsible, due to the interruption of the transmission of vestibular information to the HPC. The argument presented here rests on 3 tranches of evidence: (1) Cognitive deficits have been observed in humans even in the absence of HPC atrophy; (2) HPC atrophy has not been reported in animal studies following vestibular loss, despite cognitive deficits; and (3) Animal studies have shown that the interruption of the transmission of vestibular information to the HPC has immediate consequences for HPC place cells, far too quickly to be explained by HPC atrophy. It is possible that HPC atrophy, when it does occur, is related to the longer-term consquences of living with vestibular loss, which are likely to increase circulating cortisol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul F. Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brain Health Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- The Brain Research New Zealand Centre of Research Excellence, Eisdell Moore Centre for Hearing and Balance Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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4
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Mhatre SD, Iyer J, Puukila S, Paul AM, Tahimic CGT, Rubinstein L, Lowe M, Alwood JS, Sowa MB, Bhattacharya S, Globus RK, Ronca AE. Neuro-consequences of the spaceflight environment. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:908-935. [PMID: 34767877 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
As human space exploration advances to establish a permanent presence beyond the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with NASA's Artemis mission, researchers are striving to understand and address the health challenges of living and working in the spaceflight environment. Exposure to ionizing radiation, microgravity, isolation and other spaceflight hazards pose significant risks to astronauts. Determining neurobiological and neurobehavioral responses, understanding physiological responses under Central Nervous System (CNS) control, and identifying putative mechanisms to inform countermeasure development are critically important to ensuring brain and behavioral health of crew on long duration missions. Here we provide a detailed and comprehensive review of the effects of spaceflight and of ground-based spaceflight analogs, including simulated weightlessness, social isolation, and ionizing radiation on humans and animals. Further, we discuss dietary and non-dietary countermeasures including artificial gravity and antioxidants, among others. Significant future work is needed to ensure that neural, sensorimotor, cognitive and other physiological functions are maintained during extended deep space missions to avoid potentially catastrophic health and safety outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhita D Mhatre
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; KBR, Houston, TX, 77002, USA; COSMIAC Research Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Janani Iyer
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD, 21046, USA
| | - Stephanie Puukila
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD, 21046, USA; Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Amber M Paul
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD, 21046, USA
| | - Candice G T Tahimic
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; KBR, Houston, TX, 77002, USA; Department of Biology, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Linda Rubinstein
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD, 21046, USA
| | - Moniece Lowe
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, 98154, USA
| | - Joshua S Alwood
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Marianne B Sowa
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Sharmila Bhattacharya
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Ruth K Globus
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - April E Ronca
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Wake Forest Medical School, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA.
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Stahn AC, Kühn S. Extreme environments for understanding brain and cognition. Trends Cogn Sci 2021; 26:1-3. [PMID: 34711517 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Can life in extreme environments foster our understanding of the limits and adaptability of cognition and brain plasticity? We review characteristics of spaceflight and spaceflight analogues, such as bed rest, dry immersion, parabolic flights, and isolated and controlled confinement, and discuss the potential of utilizing these research settings to advance cognitive neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C Stahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Physiology, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Simone Kühn
- Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, 14195 Berlin, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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6
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Stahn AC, Kühn S. Brains in space: the importance of understanding the impact of long-duration spaceflight on spatial cognition and its neural circuitry. Cogn Process 2021; 22:105-114. [PMID: 34409546 PMCID: PMC8423699 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-021-01050-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Fifty years after the first humans stepped on the Moon, space faring nations have entered a new era of space exploration. NASA’s reference mission to Mars is expected to comprise 1100 days. Deep space exploratory class missions could even span decades. They will be the most challenging and dangerous expeditions in the history of human spaceflight and will expose crew members to unprecedented health and performance risks. The development of adverse cognitive or behavioral conditions and psychiatric disorders during those missions is considered a critical and unmitigated risk factor. Here, we argue that spatial cognition, i.e., the ability to encode representations about self-to-object relations and integrate this information into a spatial map of the environment, and their neural bases will be highly vulnerable during those expeditions. Empirical evidence from animal studies shows that social isolation, immobilization, and altered gravity can have profound effects on brain plasticity associated with spatial navigation. We provide examples from historic spaceflight missions, spaceflight analogs, and extreme environments suggesting that spatial cognition and its neural circuitry could be impaired during long-duration spaceflight, and identify recommendations and future steps to mitigate these risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C Stahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Unit of Experimental Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 4233 Guardian Dr, 1016 Blockley Hall, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Physiology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Simone Kühn
- Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, 14195, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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7
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Rogge AK, Hamacher D, Cappagli G, Kuhne L, Hötting K, Zech A, Gori M, Röder B. Balance, gait, and navigation performance are related to physical exercise in blind and visually impaired children and adolescents. Exp Brain Res 2021; 239:1111-1123. [PMID: 33550429 PMCID: PMC8068618 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-021-06038-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Self-motion perception used for locomotion and navigation requires the integration of visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive input. In the absence of vision, postural stability and locomotor tasks become more difficult. Previous research has suggested that in visually deprived children, postural stability and levels of physical activity are overall lower than in sighted controls. Here we hypothesized that visually impaired and blind children and adolescents differ from sighted controls in postural stability and gait parameters, and that physically active individuals outperform sedentary peers in postural stability and gait parameters as well as in navigation performance. Fourteen blind and visually impaired children and adolescents (8-18 years of age) and 14 matched sighted individuals took part. Assessments included postural sway, single-leg stance time, parameters of gait variability and stability, self-reported physical activity, and navigation performance. Postural sway was larger and single-leg stance time was lower in blind and visually impaired participants than in blindfolded sighted individuals. Physical activity was higher in the sighted group. No differences between the group of blind and visually impaired and blindfolded sighted participants were observed for gait parameters and navigation performance. Higher levels of physical activity were related to lower postural sway, longer single-leg stance time, higher gait stability, and superior navigation performance in blind and visually impaired participants. The present data suggest that physical activity may enhance postural stability and gait parameters, and thereby promote navigation performance in blind and visually impaired children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Rogge
- Biological Psychology and Neuropsychology, University of Hamburg, Von-Melle-Park 11, 20146, Hamburg, Germany. .,Max Planck School of Cognition, Max-Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Daniel Hamacher
- Institute of Sport Science, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.,Friedrich Schiller University, Statistics and Methods in Sports, Jena, Germany
| | - Giulia Cappagli
- Unit for Visually Impaired People, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, U-VIP, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Kuhne
- Biological Psychology and Neuropsychology, University of Hamburg, Von-Melle-Park 11, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kirsten Hötting
- Biological Psychology and Neuropsychology, University of Hamburg, Von-Melle-Park 11, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Astrid Zech
- Institute of Sport Science, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Monica Gori
- Unit for Visually Impaired People, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, U-VIP, Genoa, Italy
| | - Brigitte Röder
- Biological Psychology and Neuropsychology, University of Hamburg, Von-Melle-Park 11, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
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8
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Parreira RB, Lopes JBP, França MS, Albuquerque MB, Cordeiro LB, Cardoso DCDS, Cimolin V, Galli M, Oliveira CS. The Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Combined With Proprioceptive Training for Blind Individuals: The Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Front Neurol 2020; 11:592376. [PMID: 33304312 PMCID: PMC7701133 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.592376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
To maintain the balance, the postural system needs to integrate the three main sensorial systems: visual, vestibular, and somatosensory to keep postural control within the limits of stabilization. Damage of one of these systems, in this case, the vision, will have a great disturbance on the postural control influencing the behavior of the balance, resulting in falls. The aim of this study protocol for a randomized, controlled clinical trial is to analyze the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with proprioceptive exercises on postural control in individuals with congenital and acquired blindness. In this randomized, controlled, double-blind, clinical trial, male, and female individuals with blindness between 18 and 55 years of age will participate in this study divided into three phases: 1—Determine differences in postural control and gait between individuals with congenital and acquired blindness with and without the use of a guide stick when wearing shoes and when barefoot; 2—A pilot study to analyze the effects a bilateral cerebellar anodal tDCS on postural on postural control and gait; and 3—A treatment protocol will be conducted in which the participants will be allocated to four groups: G1—active tDCS + dynamic proprioceptive exercises; G2—sham tDCS + dynamic proprioceptive exercises; G3—active tDCS + static proprioceptive exercises; and G4—sham tDCS + static proprioceptive exercises. Evaluations will involve a camera system for three-dimensional gait analysis, a force plate, and electromyography. Dynamic stability will be determined using the Timed Up and Go test and static stability will be analyzed with the aid of the force plate. The viability of this study will allow the determination of differences in postural control between individuals with congenital and acquired blindness, the analysis of the effect of tDCS on postural control, and the establishment of a rehabilitation protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Borges Parreira
- Master's and Doctoral Program in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,PostureLab, Paris, France
| | - Jamile Benite Palma Lopes
- Master's and Doctoral Program in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Veronica Cimolin
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Galli
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Santos Oliveira
- Master's and Doctoral Program in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Master's and Doctoral Program in Human Movement and Rehabilitation, University Center of Anápolis, Anápolis, Brazil
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9
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Jacob A, Tward DJ, Resnick S, Smith PF, Lopez C, Rebello E, Wei EX, Ratnanather JT, Agrawal Y. Vestibular function and cortical and sub-cortical alterations in an aging population. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04728. [PMID: 32904672 PMCID: PMC7457317 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
While it is well known that the vestibular system is responsible for maintaining balance, posture and coordination, there is increasing evidence that it also plays an important role in cognition. Moreover, a growing number of epidemiological studies are demonstrating a link between vestibular dysfunction and cognitive deficits in older adults; however, the exact pathways through which vestibular loss may affect cognition are unknown. In this cross-sectional study, we sought to identify relationships between vestibular function and variation in morphometry in brain structures from structural neuroimaging. We used a subset of 80 participants from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, who had both brain MRI and vestibular physiological data acquired during the same visit. Vestibular function was evaluated through the cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP). The brain structures of interest that we analyzed were the hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, caudate nucleus, putamen, insula, entorhinal cortex (ERC), trans-entorhinal cortex (TEC) and perirhinal cortex, as these structures comprise or are connected with the putative "vestibular cortex." We modeled the volume and shape of these structures as a function of the presence/absence of cVEMP and the cVEMP amplitude, adjusting for age and sex. We observed reduced overall volumes of the hippocampus and the ERC associated with poorer vestibular function. In addition, we also found significant relationships between the shape of the hippocampus (p = 0.0008), amygdala (p = 0.01), thalamus (p = 0.008), caudate nucleus (p = 0.002), putamen (p = 0.02), and ERC-TEC complex (p = 0.008) and vestibular function. These findings provide novel insight into the multiple pathways through which vestibular loss may impact brain structures that are critically involved in spatial memory, navigation and orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athira Jacob
- Center for Imaging Science and Institute for Computational Medicine,
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD,
USA
| | - Daniel J. Tward
- Center for Imaging Science and Institute for Computational Medicine,
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD,
USA
| | - Susan Resnick
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging,
Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Paul F. Smith
- Department Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medical Sciences, The
Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, New Zealand
| | - Christophe Lopez
- Aix Marseille Universite, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique,
Marseille, France
| | - Elliott Rebello
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eric X. Wei
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - J. Tilak Ratnanather
- Center for Imaging Science and Institute for Computational Medicine,
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD,
USA
| | - Yuri Agrawal
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Santos RSD, Andrade MMD, Ribeiro KMOBDF, Nascimento RAD, Vieira MCA, Câmara SMAD, Maciel ÁCC. Relationship between vestibular dysfunction and quality of life in climacteric women. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2020; 25:645-654. [PMID: 32022204 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232020252.00972018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The hormonal changes in climacteric women may affect the vestibular system; however, it is not clear in the literature whether the presence of vestibular dysfunction associated with climacteric is related to poorer quality of life. The study sample was composed of 374 women (40-65 years). Socioeconomic and demographic data, menopausal status, practice of physical exercises, presence or absence of vestibular dysfunction, hypertension and diabetes, anthropometric measurements and quality of life (using the Utian Quality of Life Scale - UQoL) were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using the Pearson test, Anova, T-test, and multiple regression considering a significance level of 5%. A significant relationship was found between vestibular dysfunction and health (p = 0.02) and emotional (p = 0.01) domains of the UQoL. In addition, physical activity, menopausal status, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), household income and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) mean also remained significantly related to quality of life. A relationship between vestibular dysfunction and quality of life for health and emotional domains in climacteric women was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaella Silva Dos Santos
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN). Av. Sen. Salgado Filho 3000, Candelária. 59064-741, Natal, RN, Brasil.
| | | | | | - Rafaela Andrade do Nascimento
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN). Av. Sen. Salgado Filho 3000, Candelária. 59064-741, Natal, RN, Brasil.
| | - Mariana Carmen Apolinário Vieira
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN). Av. Sen. Salgado Filho 3000, Candelária. 59064-741, Natal, RN, Brasil.
| | | | - Álvaro Campos Cavalcanti Maciel
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN). Av. Sen. Salgado Filho 3000, Candelária. 59064-741, Natal, RN, Brasil.
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11
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Rogge AK, Hötting K, Nagel V, Zech A, Hölig C, Röder B. Improved balance performance accompanied by structural plasticity in blind adults after training. Neuropsychologia 2019; 129:318-330. [PMID: 31004689 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Postural control requires the sensory integration of visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive signals. In the absence of vision, either by blindfolding or in blind individuals, balance performance is typically poorer than with sight. Previous research has suggested that despite showing compensatory vestibular and proprioceptive processing during upright standing, balance performance in blind individuals is overall lower than in sighted controls with eyes open. The present study tested whether balance training, which places demands on vestibular and proprioceptive self-motion perception, improves balance performance in blind adults, and whether we find similar structural correlates in cortical and subcortical brain areas as have been reported in sighted individuals. Fourteen congenitally or late blind adults were randomly assigned to either a balance or a relaxation group and exercised twice a week for 12 weeks. Assessments prior to and after training included balance tests and the acquisition of T1-weighted MRI images. The blind balance group significantly improved in dynamic, static, and functional balance performance compared to the blind relaxation group. The balance performance improvement did not differ from that of age- and gender matched sighted adults after balance training. Cortical thickness increased in the left parahippocampus and decreased in the inferior insula bilaterally in the blind balance group compared to the blind relaxation group. Thickness decreases in the insula were related to improved static and functional balance. Gray matter volume was reduced in the left hippocampus proper and increased in the right subiculum in the blind balance group. The present data suggest that impaired balance performance in blind adults can be significantly improved by a training inducing plasticity in brain regions associated with vestibular and proprioceptive self-motion processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Rogge
- Universität Hamburg, Biological Psychology and Neuropsychology, Von-Melle-Park 11, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Kirsten Hötting
- Universität Hamburg, Biological Psychology and Neuropsychology, Von-Melle-Park 11, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Volker Nagel
- Universität Hamburg, Sports Medicine, Turmweg 2, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Astrid Zech
- Friedrich Schiller University, Human Movement Science, Seidelstraße 20, 07749, Jena, Germany.
| | - Cordula Hölig
- Friedrich Schiller University, Human Movement Science, Seidelstraße 20, 07749, Jena, Germany.
| | - Brigitte Röder
- Universität Hamburg, Biological Psychology and Neuropsychology, Von-Melle-Park 11, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.
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Ronca AE, Moyer EL, Talyansky Y, Lowe M, Padmanabhan S, Choi S, Gong C, Cadena SM, Stodieck L, Globus RK. Behavior of mice aboard the International Space Station. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4717. [PMID: 30976012 PMCID: PMC6459880 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40789-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Interest in space habitation has grown dramatically with planning underway for the first human transit to Mars. Despite a robust history of domestic and international spaceflight research, understanding behavioral adaptation to the space environment for extended durations is scant. Here we report the first detailed behavioral analysis of mice flown in the NASA Rodent Habitat on the International Space Station (ISS). Following 4-day transit from Earth to ISS, video images were acquired on orbit from 16- and 32-week-old female mice. Spaceflown mice engaged in a full range of species-typical behaviors. Physical activity was greater in younger flight mice as compared to identically-housed ground controls, and followed the circadian cycle. Within 7-10 days after launch, younger (but not older), mice began to exhibit distinctive circling or 'race-tracking' behavior that evolved into coordinated group activity. Organized group circling behavior unique to spaceflight may represent stereotyped motor behavior, rewarding effects of physical exercise, or vestibular sensation produced via self-motion. Affording mice the opportunity to grab and run in the RH resembles physical activities that the crew participate in routinely. Our approach yields a useful analog for better understanding human responses to spaceflight, providing the opportunity to assess how physical movement influences responses to microgravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- April E Ronca
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA. .,Wake Forest School of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA.
| | - Eric L Moyer
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, 98154, USA.,Utrecht University Graduate School of Life Sciences, Regenerative Medicine and Technology Program, Universiteitsweg 98, 3584 CG, UTRECHT, The Netherlands
| | - Yuli Talyansky
- Universities Space Research Association, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA.,San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA.,Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, 2011 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Moniece Lowe
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, 98154, USA
| | - Shreejit Padmanabhan
- San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA.,Duke Empirical Inc., 2829 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Sungshin Choi
- KBRwyle, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Cynthia Gong
- KBRwyle, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Samuel M Cadena
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Louis Stodieck
- BioServe Space Technologies, Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80302, USA
| | - Ruth K Globus
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
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Flow cytometry for receptor analysis from ex-vivo brain tissue in adult rat. J Neurosci Methods 2018; 304:11-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Rogge AK, Röder B, Zech A, Hötting K. Exercise-induced neuroplasticity: Balance training increases cortical thickness in visual and vestibular cortical regions. Neuroimage 2018; 179:471-479. [PMID: 29959048 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2018.06.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical exercise has been shown to induce structural plasticity in the human brain and to enhance cognitive functions. While previous studies focused on aerobic exercise, suggesting a link between increased cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise-induced neuroplasticity, recent findings have suggested that whole-body exercise with minor metabolic demands elicits beneficial effects on brain structure as well. In the present study, we tested if balance training, challenging the sensory-motor system and vestibular self-motion perception, induces structural plasticity. Thirty-seven healthy adults aged 19-65 years were randomly assigned to either a balance training or a relaxation training group. All participants exercised twice a week for 12 weeks. Assessments before and after the training included a balance test and the acquisition of high-resolution T1-weighted images to analyze morphological brain changes. Only the balance group significantly improved balance performance after training. Cortical thickness was increased in the superior temporal cortex, in visual association cortices, in the posterior cingulate cortex, in the superior frontal sulcus, and in the precentral gyri in the balance group, compared to the relaxation group. Moreover, there was evidence that the balance training resulted in decreased putamen volume. Improved balance performance correlated with the increase of precentral cortical thickness and the decrease in putamen volume. The results suggest that balance training elicits neuroplasticity in brain regions associated with visual and vestibular self-motion perception. As these regions are known for their role in spatial orienting and memory, stimulating visual-vestibular pathways during self-motion might mediate beneficial effects of physical exercise on cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Rogge
- Universität Hamburg, Biological Psychology & Neuropsychology, Von-Melle-Park 11, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Brigitte Röder
- Universität Hamburg, Biological Psychology & Neuropsychology, Von-Melle-Park 11, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Astrid Zech
- Friedrich Schiller University, Human Movement Science, Seidelstraße 20, 07749, Jena, Germany.
| | - Kirsten Hötting
- Universität Hamburg, Biological Psychology & Neuropsychology, Von-Melle-Park 11, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.
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