Fear of falling changes how we balance — and the vestibular system shows it.

New research by Zaback et al. (J Physiol, 2025) confirms that vestibular-evoked balance responses are amplified by threat, but fade with repeated exposure — mirroring emotional and autonomic adaptation.

This matters clinically. Vestibular responses aren’t fixed. They’re shaped by experience, emotion and environment.

Thanks to the authors – Martin Zaback, Solenne Villemer, Kyle Missen, J Timothy Inglis and Mark G Carpenter – for this valuable contribution to vestibular research.

Full paper: https://doi.org/10.1113/JP287391 

Learn more: www.vesticam.com