Perceptual post-effects of left neck muscle vibration with visuo-haptic feedback in healthy individuals: A potential approach for treating spatial neglect

Innovative Therapy Combining Neck Muscle Vibration and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Association with Conventional Rehabilitation in Left Unilateral Spatial Neglect Patients: HEMISTIM Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Left-side NMV seems to counterbalance the egocentric representation deviation observed in USN patients through these central mechanisms [ 43 ]. The key question of persistent effects was addressed by Ceyte et al [ 35 ], who showed that lasting post-effects were only present when left-side NMV was associated with upper limb self-activation, and these results were consistent with our previous case study on a USN patient [ 21 ]. Transferring our protocol directly into conventional rehabilitation sessions could further increase their benefits.…”

“…Transferring our protocol directly into conventional rehabilitation sessions could further increase their benefits. Indeed, reaching toward a target, as it was performed in a visuo-haptic feedback context in our previous studies [ 21 , 35 ], is very similar to the motor activities performed during ecological upper limb rehabilitation sessions. Based on these findings, we assume that using this technique during occupational therapy sessions might enhance beneficial effects obtained by conventional rehabilitation without needing to add specific sessions as it is sometimes suggested.…”

“…The aim of this protocol is to optimize conventional USN rehabilitation practices through the contribution of new scientific knowledge in the fields of neuromodulation and spatial cognition and more particularly the interest of augmented sensory feedback in spatial perception. In this respect, our previous translational research studies have addressed this question and identified the optimal sensori-motor context for the persistence of left-side NMV effects [ 35 ] and its benefits in a USN case study [ 21 ].…”

“…Vibratory stimulators (VibramoovPhysio ® , Techno Concept, Manosque, France) will be fixed bilaterally on the skin over the belly of the trapezius muscles and fastened with straps. Only the left-side NMV vibrator will be activated at a frequency of 100 Hz and an amplitude of 300 μm for 15 min, alternating 150 s of stimulation and 30 s of pause five times, as in previous studies [ 21 , 35 ].…”

“…In these three experimental groups, each patient will be equipped with vibratory stimulators during conventional occupational therapy sessions taking place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for three weeks from the second week on. The left-side NMV vibrator will be activated during the first 15 min of the occupational therapy session (lasting 45 min), as previously described [ 21 , 35 ]. In the two experimental groups receiving sham or a-tDCS, electrodes will be placed as described above.…”