Vestibulo-ocular reflex as a parameter of seasickness susceptibility

A. Shupak, O. Spitzer, D. Kerem, N. Mendelowitz, C. Gordon, Y. Melamed

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is known to be modulated in response to changing vestibular and optokinetic stimuli. The purpose of this study was to investigate possible relationships between VOR and future susceptibility and habituation to seasickness. Thirty candidates for future maritime service were exposed to a series of yaw axis smooth harmonic accelerations before and after 6 months of regular sailing, and their VOR gain and phase responses were recorded. Seasickness severity was estimated after 1 and 6 months of service by a questionnaire. We conclude that VOR gain at 0.01 Hz may serve as a physiologic correlate helping to predict seasickness susceptibility, and that the increase in phase lead at 0.02 Hz may mark the habituation process to sea conditions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)131-136
Number of pages6
JournalAnnals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology
Volume99
Issue number2 I
DOIs
StatePublished - 1990
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • seasickness
  • vestibular habituation
  • vestibulo-ocular reflex

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Otorhinolaryngology

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