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Postural instability precedes motion sickness.

T A Stoffregen1, L J Smart

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, OH 45221-0376, USA. stoffrta@email.uc.edu

Brain Research Bulletin
|March 3, 1999
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Postural instability, or increased sway, was observed before the onset of motion sickness in a moving room experiment. This finding supports the theory that balance issues can predict motion sickness development.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Human Physiology
  • Vestibular System

Background:

  • Motion sickness is a common sensory conflict disorder.
  • The postural instability theory suggests that disruptions in balance precede motion sickness onset.
  • Previous research has not definitively established the temporal relationship between postural sway and motion sickness symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the hypothesis that postural instability precedes motion sickness.
  • To investigate the relationship between optical flow, postural sway, and subjective motion sickness.
  • To provide evidence for the postural instability theory of motion sickness.

Main Methods:

  • Subjects stood in a "moving room" environment with oscillating optical flow (0.1-0.3 Hz, 1.8 cm excursion).

Related Experiment Videos

  • Postural sway was measured using motion analysis.
  • Motion sickness symptoms were assessed using a standard questionnaire and self-reporting.

    • Main Results:

    • Exposure to the moving room significantly increased motion sickness questionnaire scores.
    • Approximately 50% of subjects reported experiencing motion sickness.
    • Increased postural sway was detected before the emergence of subjective motion sickness symptoms.

    Conclusions:

    • The study provides evidence supporting the postural instability theory of motion sickness.
    • Postural instability appears to be a precursor to motion sickness.
    • This research highlights the interplay between visual input, postural control, and vestibular perception in motion sickness.