Animal Preparations to Assess Neurophysiological Effects of Bio-Dynamic Environments.
Abstract
Veridical perception of the visual world and motor performance which respects the location of objects in space is essential to survival. Mechanisms of some complexity support the development and maintenance of the capacity for perceptual-motor coordination. The evolution of these mechanisms has been accomplished in a terrestrial environment. Thus, it is not surprising that their operation is imperfect in specialized environments as are encountered in high performance aircraft. The altered gravitational-inertial forces encountered in such environments may disturb equilibrium, degrade motor performance and generate visual and postural illusions. Spatially-directed behaviors depend on two broad categories of accomplishments: to locate objects through one or more perceptual channels and the ability to monitor one's own position in space. The outcome is the ability to move toward targets either with the whole body or with a part such as head or limb. The visual and vestibular systems as sources of information about the location of objects in space are the primary concern of this report.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 17, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA089176
Entities
People
- Alan Hein
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology