The vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) is an averaged electromyogram (EMG) response from the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The saccule, a component of the vestibular system in the inner ear is activated by a click sound. This organ senses linear acceleration along the body long axis, and has connections to neck muscles that help stabilize the head in space. Using a tilt table and a centrifuge, up to 1.5 g of linear acceleration will be delivered with the head in various orientations to determine how the VEMP changes in different gravitational fields. This study will provide pilot data for a grant application to perform microgravity experiments during parabolic flight, on board NASA’s KC135 aircraft.

The pictures above show preliminary testing using only a tilt table to determine the effect of head orientation on the VEMP. Subjects were stabilized to the tilt table using a harness and tested for their VEMP from 90 to -90 degrees. Data was collected using a Labview program which provided feedback to the subject through an LED equipped box in order to help the subject maintain the correct level of sternocleidomastoid contraction. See more pictures concerning VEMP testing in the Pictures Section.

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