Hippocampal and cortical neuroplasticity and functional changes induced by vestibular system stimulation through various methods of balance training

Abstract

The aim of this thesis was to investigate whether different types of vestibular system stimulation through balance training can have beneficial effects on vestibular-dependent path integration and balance abilities as well as on neuroplasticity in corresponding gray matter regions, especially in the hippocampal formation. For this reason, three separate studies were organized: 1) 3-month longitudinal slacklining training study with young subjects (18-35 years), b) cross-sectional study on professional ballet dancers (18-35 years) and c) 18-month longitudinal sportive dancing study with older subjects (60-85 years). The results showed significant improvements in vestibular-dependent path integration and balance abilities, along with the changes in gray matter in the hippocampal formation (hippocampus, parahipocampus) and other cortical regions in groups where a voxel-based morphometric (VBM) analysis was performed (ballet dancers and sportive dancers). These results show that strong stimulation of the vestibular system by behavioral interventions can lead to structural (neuroanatomical) and functional benefits. Possible implications of the findings are in the prevention of dementia and in the fall prevention.