Postural asymmetry and impaired trunk control are common after stroke and predict reduced mobility and functional independence. Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) offers a noninvasive alternative, to improve visuospatial performance and balance with minimal discomfort....
✦ The floor
Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
Vestibular and neuro-rehabilitation clinicians should note this review, but GVS is not yet standard of care; await the full paper's conclusions and any strength-of-evidence grading before integrating into stroke rehab protocols.
If GVS proves effective for postural and spatial rehabilitation post-stroke, it could expand the role of vestibular-focused clinicians within multidisciplinary stroke rehabilitation teams.
- 01Systematic review in Neuropsychological Rehabilitation evaluating GVS after stroke.
- 02GVS applies a gentle electrical current behind the ears to stimulate the vestibular (balance) system.
- 03Outcomes of interest include postural control and spatial orientation after stroke.
- 04Systematic review design pools data across studies, providing higher-level evidence than single trials.
- 05Findings have potential implications for audiologists and vestibular therapists in neurorehabilitation settings.
Galvanic vestibular stimulation has therapeutic potential for improving postural and spatial rehabilitation outcomes after stroke.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42766343
- DOI
- 10.1080/09602011.2026.2735365.
- Journal
- Neuropsychological Rehabilitation
- Publication type
- meta_analysis
- Evidence level
- 1a
- Population
- Stroke survivors undergoing postural and spatial rehabilitation
- Intervention
- Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS)
Primary outcomes
Postural control; Spatial orientation and rehabilitation outcomes post-stroke