Research Article
Yohei Okada, Yorihiro Kita, Ju
Abstract
Background: We explored the use of galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) as a tool of intervention for camptocormia in a patient with Parkinson’s disease. Methods: A 73-year–old man with a 13-year history of Parkinson’s disease presented with camptocormia. Binaural monopolar GVS was applied at 1.5 mA with the patient in the supine position for 20min. His trunk flexion angle during the standing position with eyes open and with eyes closed for 60 sec each was assessed before the GVS, after the GVS, and 1.5months after the GVS. Results: The patient’s trunk flexion angle while standing after the GVS was reduced, especially with eyes closed (by 25.2°; 55.8%) compared to that before the GVS. The patient reported that standing and sitting in his daily life were improved after the GVS, and the improvement continued up to approximately 1month after the GVS. His average trunk flexion angle while standing at the follow-up test conducted 1.5 months after the GVS was increased compared to that after the GVS, but was still smaller than that before the GVS. Conclusion: The results of this case report demonstrated significant improvement of the trunk forward flexion angle in a patient with Parkinson’s disease with camptocormia. Limitations and future research suggestions were identified.