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Cardiovascular responses elicited by linear acceleration in humans
B J Yates1, M Aoki, P Burchill
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Eye and Ear Institute, PA 15213, USA. byates@pop.pitt.edu
Experimental Brain Research
|May 14, 1999
Summary
Vestibular stimulation from linear acceleration can alter blood pressure and heart rate in humans. This suggests the vestibular system plays a role in maintaining cardiovascular stability during movement and posture changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Otolith receptor activation is known to cause cardiovascular responses in animals.
- The effect of vestibular stimulation on human blood pressure and heart rate, independent of motion sickness, remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether vestibular stimulation during linear acceleration evokes cardiovascular changes in humans.
- To determine if the vestibular system contributes to cardiovascular stability during movement and postural changes.
Main Methods:
- Ten healthy subjects and three patients with reduced vestibular function were exposed to linear accelerations (fore, aft, lateral) in upright and head-flexed/extended positions.
- Cardiovascular responses, including blood pressure and electrocardiogram R-wave interval, were measured during and after acceleration.
- Stimulus parameters included approximately 0.2 g acceleration, reaching 2 m/s, with deceleration over 3 seconds.
Main Results:
- Normal subjects showed significant increases in systolic blood pressure (7-9 mm Hg) and decreases in R-wave interval (14-27 ms) during linear acceleration.
- Patients with vestibular dysfunction exhibited markedly smaller cardiovascular responses.
- Head position had minimal impact on the overall cardiovascular responses in normal subjects, though individual variability was noted.
Conclusions:
- Vestibular stimulation via linear acceleration can elicit cardiovascular responses in humans.
- These findings support the hypothesis that the vestibular system contributes to maintaining stable blood pressure during movement and postural adjustments.
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