Impact of Linear Vestibular Stimulation on Lipid Profile in Underweight Females: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Weight gain and weight loss form complex health issues. Animal studies provided preliminary evidence for the regulation of total cholesterol and TG through vestibular stimulation. However, human studies on the same area are sparse. Hence, the present study was aimed to assess the impact of vestibular stimulation on lipid profile in underweight females. Materials and Methods: A total of 8 underweight females and 8 healthy, age-matched, females were included in the present study after obtaining voluntary informed consent. Vestibular stimulation was administered by making the participants to swing on a swing in back-to-front direction. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were estimated by standard methods. Results: Total cholesterol and LDL levels were significantly lower in underweight females before and after the intervention P < 0.001). HDL and triglycerides levels are significantly lower (P < 0.001) in underweight females before the intervention. The difference was not statistically significant after the intervention. Conclusion: We have observed an increase in triglycerides and HDL and no change in LDL and total cholesterol followed by vestibular stimulation. We recommend further detailed studies in this area for a better understanding of vestibular influences on lipid profile which may help to develop a simple, novel supplementary therapy in the management of metabolic disorders.