Direction-Specific Adaptation Effects Acquired in a Slow Rotation Room,
Abstract
Thirty-eight subjects were required to execute 120 head movements in a slow rotation room at each 1-rpm increase in velocity of the room between 0 and 6 rpm and, after a single-step gradual return to zero velocity, execute 120 head movements either immediately after the return or after delay periods varying from 1 to 24 hours unless, at any time, more than mild symptoms of motion sickness were elicited. A second stress profile differed by the sequential addition of an incremental adaptation schedule (identical to the first) in which the direction of rotation was reversed. The experimental findings demonstrated the acquisition of direction-specific adaptation effects that underwent spontaneous decay with a short time constant (hours). With their disappearance a nondirection-specific adaptation was revealed with a long time constant (days). Speculations are presented which could account for the simultaneous acquisition of short-term and long-term adaptation effects. The findings support the theory that motion sickness, although a consequence of vestibular stimulation, has its immediate origin in nonvestibular systems, implying a 'facultative' or temporary linkage between the vestibular and nonvestibular systems. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 11, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0748713
Entities
People
- Ashton Graybiel
- James C. Knepton