The influence of rotary vestibular stimulation upon motor development of nonhandicapped and Down syndrome infants.
The vestibular system plays a major role in the expression of early motor behavior. Previous research has cited extensive neural connections between the vestibular apparatus and the motor system. Accordingly, some therapists have implemented programs of supplemental vestibular stimulation to improve motor and cognitive abilities in children with delayed motor development. In the present study a quantifiable regimen of supplemental rotary vestibular stimulation was administered in a cross-over longitudinal design to nonhandicapped and Down syndrome infants. Time constants, considered a measure of habituation in the vestibular system, were derived from postrotary nystagmus. Results indicated that supplemental rotary vestibular stimulation produced no measurable gain in motor ability beyond that evident in control periods. In addition, it was determined that children exhibited greater gains in motor skills in the early phase of the study, regardless of experimental condition. A positive correlation was found between changes in time constant and motor development.
Arendt
R E
RE
George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University.
MacLean
W E
WE
Halpern
L F
LF
Youngquist
G A
GA
Baumeister
A A
AA
D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D009760:Nystagmus, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology; D012399:Rotation; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000503:physiopathology*