Studies on Vestibulo-spinal Reflexes by Examination of Labyrinthine-evoked EMGs of Lower Limbs

Abstract

Evoked electromyograms (EMGs) induced by galvanic stimulation of the labyrinth were examined in the muscles of the lower limbs. The labyrinthine-evoked EMGs appeared in the muscles of the femoral and gluteal regions and of the legs, and these muscle activities were changed by the head position in spite of the labyrinthine stimulation being the same. The vestibulo-spinal reflexes fulfil these functions in coordination with the neck proprioceptor.

Key Words:

• vestibulospinal system
• standing posture
• head position
• vestibular-neck interaction