Galvanic vestibular stimulation in spinal cord injury
effects on postural control and in the functional reach task in paraparetic and paraplegic patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47456/rbps.v27i1.46114Keywords:
Vestibular System, Spinal cord injury, Rehabilitation, Postural BalanceAbstract
Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) results from trauma, disease, or congenital malformations affecting the spinal cord. Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) has been used in experimental settings to enhance understanding of vestibular signal processing mechanisms. Objective: To assess changes in postural control, under baseline conditions and during functional reach, before and after the application of GVS combined with vestibular rehabilitation exercises and neurofunctional physiotherapy in patients with sequelae of paraparesis and paraplegia. Methods: This study was conducted within the Scientific Initiation Program of the Methodist University of São Paulo. Selected participants were evaluated using the MIF and ASIA scales, clinical posturography, and the Functional Reach Test (FRT). They underwent ten sessions of GVS combined with vestibular rehabilitation and neurofunctional physiotherapy, and were reassessed at the end of the protocol. Results: Participants showed improvements in functional independence (MIF), changes in ASIA scale classification, better FRT performance, and, most notably, relevant changes in posturographic variables. Conclusion: Although statistical significance was not achieved—likely due to the small sample size—the findings suggest that GVS may enhance sensorimotor and postural interventions in individuals with SCI. Replication of the study with larger samples and distinct intervention groups is recommended.
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