OTOLITH · Theoretical and experimental study of vestibular otolith function towards treatment of associated equilibrium disorders
FP7 — People (Marie Curie Actions)
- Duration
- 2011-02-01 → 2013-01-31
- EU contribution
- €97,200
- Participants
- 2
- Scheme
- MC-IRSES
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Periodic Report Summary - OTOLITH (Theoretical and experimental study of vestibular otolith function towards treatment of associated equilibrium disorders)
This project encompasses the study of the otolith system which is the human gravity detector. Based on the combination of experts from Berlin, Kiev, Moscow and Antwerp, it was our goal to further elaborate on the reflexes generated by the otolith system during different conditions (rotation, centrifugation, dry immersion). The theoretical approach of Prof. Kondrachuk in combination with experimental data obtained in the lab of Prof. Clarke played a key role in the project outline. However, early and unforeseen retirement of Prof. Clarke from Berlin, without a replacement from his lab, in combination with an unexpected serious and non-resolving health problem of another key person of the project are 'force majeure' that jeopardised the whole project so much that the initial goals and work packages could not be achieved. Inevitably, the project under its current form had to be terminated. The topic however remains very unique and unravelled. A new project will be written and in due time submitted for funding.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
The EUFP7-PEOPLE-IRSES consortium OTOLITH brings togethers 2 EU organisations (based in Belgium and Germany) together with 2 non-EU organisations (based in Russia and Ukraine). The scientific programme aims at studying the vestibular otolith system, if disturbed often resulting in equilibrium disorders. Therefore, the different partners involved bring in specific expertise and resources. The Ukrainian partner (Institute of physics - Kiev) has built up longstanding thereoretical expertise in the field of biomechanics and biophysics of inner ear mechanisms. Both EU partners, (AUREA - Antwerp, Belgium and ENT - Berlin, Germany) are experts in experimental studies on vestibular function, since they provide access to specific single copy infrastructure constructed by engineers of ESA and NASA (e.g. an integrated Visual Vestibular Investigation System, and D Eye Tracker Systems) and patient populations. The Russian partner (State Scientific Center Institute of Biomedical Problems) offers access to astronautes returning from space flight, a pool of people often suffering from otolith associated equilibrium disorders as a result from prolonged zero gravity experience. Implementing an exchange programme between the EU and non-EU investigators involved, integrating the existing expertise in Europe and its neighbouring countries, will provide the necessary transfer of knowledge to move this unique field forward.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
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Data: CORDIS, © European Union