Related Experiment Videos
Gastric myoelectric activity during low frequency oscillation
1Human Factors Research Unit, Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, UK. srholmes@mail.dera.gov.uk
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|April 15, 2000
Summary
Low-frequency yaw oscillations disrupt normal stomach activity, shifting gastric myoelectric patterns from 3 cycles per minute to a faster tachyarrhythmia range, indicating motion sickness effects.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neuroscience
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Normal stomach activity occurs at 3 cycles per minute (3 c/m).
- Motion sickness is associated with a shift to 4-9 c/m tachyarrhythmia.
- Previous studies used optokinetic stimuli, lacking control conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate electrogastrogram (EGG) changes during off-axis yaw oscillation.
- Compare EGG activity during motion exposure versus a static control condition.
Main Methods:
- 16 male subjects underwent two conditions (motion and control) one week apart.
- Electrogastrogram, respiration rate, and sickness ratings were monitored.
- Spectral analysis quantified 3 c/m power and tachyarrhythmia power as percentages of total EGG power.
Main Results:
- Motion exposure increased EGG median frequency and percentage tachyarrhythmia power.
- Percentage 3 c/m power decreased during motion compared to baseline and control.
- Off-axis yaw oscillations significantly altered gastric myoelectric activity.
Conclusions:
- Low-frequency off-axis yaw oscillations disrupt normal resting gastric myoelectric activity.
- Gastric dysrhythmia is induced by specific motion stimuli.
- Findings provide insights into the physiological basis of motion sickness.