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Self-induced motion sickness in unperturbed stance.
L J Smart1, R J Pagulayan, T A Stoffregen
1Department of Psychology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA. smartlj@muohio.edu
Brain Research Bulletin
|March 3, 1999
Summary
New research reveals motion sickness can occur without external motion. Dizziness and sickness in subjects studying postural sway were linked to changes in their body movements, challenging current theories.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human Physiology
- Vestibular System Research
Background:
- Motion sickness is commonly linked to external motion exposure.
- However, instances of sickness without imposed motion are less understood.
- This study explores an unexpected cause of motion sickness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence of motion sickness in the absence of externally imposed motion.
- To explore the relationship between spontaneous postural sway and sickness symptoms.
- To evaluate the implications for existing theories of motion sickness.
Main Methods:
- Observational study involving subjects performing spontaneous standing postural sway.
- Monitoring of postural sway parameters.
- Collection of self-reported symptoms of dizziness and motion sickness.
Main Results:
- Subjects reported dizziness and motion sickness during the postural sway study.
- Sickness reports significantly correlated with alterations in postural sway.
- This indicates a link between internal body instability and motion sickness.
Conclusions:
- Postural instability may be a significant factor in inducing motion sickness, even without external motion.
- Findings challenge the exclusive reliance on sensory conflict theory.
- Suggests a need to incorporate postural instability into models of motion sickness etiology.