Abstracto

Vestibular modulation of postural stability: An update

Sahaya Rani, Archana R, Shyla Kamala Kumari

Postural stability is defined as the dynamic postural response to applied perturbations. Postural stability is an important topic of discussion especially for older people. Because as there is increase in the age the integration between different body systems will decrease and this may contribute for balance difficulties. Balance difficulties were one of the major factors that decrease the quality of life in elderly people. Physical activity was reported to increase the strength of the muscles and limit the fall and faints due to postural disturbances. The vestibular stimulation regulates postural control through influencing integration in all levels that is cortical, midbrain, medulla and spinal cord levels. The present article provides an understanding of vestibular modulation of postural stability through influencing the integration of neural signals at different levels. This understanding helps to plan the management techniques accordingly and it is the need of time to conduct more studies in this area to recommend vestibular stimulation as an adjunctive therapy for management of postural instabilities.