The nervous system responds to changes in external or internal conditions by altering the behavior of neurons through multiple forms of neural plasticity. A specific form of plasticity, "homeostatic plasticity", stabilizes neural activity by driving the excitability of neurons toward a "set-point" level of activity. Over the last six years, new data have come to light showing that the vestibular system also possess a robust capacity to modulate sensitivity to self-motion cues in response to prolonged periods of motion. Collectively, these studies have demonstrated a capacity to use motion perturbations (i.e., low, or high levels of vestibular stimulation) to dynamically adjust the sensitivity of the vestibular system on both the single neuron and behavioral levels. The ability to use subthreshold motion stimuli to drive plasticity in the vestibular system motivates this study. The investigators aim to determine the impact of subthreshold motion on (a) balance performance and (b) balance training in individuals with peripheral vestibular hypofunction.
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Perturbed Stance Postural Control
Timeframe: At each of the 4 visits, outcome measures will be captured at (1) beginning of the visit (i.e., baseline), (2) post-intervention (20 minutes after baseline), and (3) post-washout (20 minutes after the post-intervention assessment).
Vestibular Perceptual Thresholds - 0.5Hz Roll Tilt
Timeframe: At each of the 4 visits, outcome measures will be captured at (1) beginning of the visit (i.e., baseline), (2) post-intervention (20 minutes after baseline), and (3) post-washout (20 minutes after the post-intervention assessment).