Functional Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation of the Vestibular System

摘要

The research described in this report is being conducted to support thedevelopment of a new technology. This technology builds on prior research and existing technology in which humans and machines work synergistically to control self motion in situations that are demanding because of limitations to sensory or motor systems. Significant improvement in the simulation of self motion could be made if there were a means to control independently the stimulation of the vestibular system. A related need in the domain of sensory prosthetics is for a device that could enhance or restore vestibular function as a conventional hearing aid restores auditory function. Such a vestibular prosthesis could have a significant impact on the lives of people with balance disorders. We chose to develop the technology for transcutaneous electrical stimulation because of its potential for independently controlling stimulation of inner-ear structures (EVS) and because of the existence of supporting technology and research. We replicated the results of other investigators in that we have produced sensations of self motion and manipulated them with EVS. The central issues involved in the development and use of EVS in aerospace and prosthetic applications are discussed in this report.