Cortical facilitation of somatosensory inputs using gravity-related tactile information in humans with vestibular hypofunction
Marie Fabre, Laura Beullier, Chloé Sutter, Amirreza Kebritchi, Pascale Chavet, Martin Simoneau, Michel Toupet, Jean Blouin, Laurence Mouchnino
Abstract
Somatosensory cortex excitability is greater in participants with bilateral vestibular hypofunction than in age-matched healthy humans. To control balance, healthy humans "locked" the head whereas participants with vestibular hypofunction "locked" their pelvis. For participants with vestibular hypofunction, increasing loading/unloading of the feet enhances the internal representation of body state in the posterior parietal cortex.
Topics & Concepts
Somatosensory systemVestibular systemProprioceptionPsychologyNeuroscienceEfference copySomatosensory evoked potentialSensory systemAudiologyPosterior parietal cortexBalance (ability)Physical medicine and rehabilitationMedicineVestibular and auditory disordersTactile and Sensory InteractionsMotor Control and Adaptation