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The effects of repeated optokinetic stimulation on human autonomic function
K Peters1, C L Darlington, P F Smith
1Dept. of Psychology and the Neuroscience Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Journal of Vestibular Research : Equilibrium & Orientation
|October 29, 2000
Summary
Horizontal optokinetic stimulation did not significantly alter blood pressure or pulse in humans. However, repeated trials, even without stimulation, caused significant changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human Physiology
- Autonomic Function
Background:
- Animal studies suggest vestibular system influences cardiorespiratory function.
- Limited human research exists on vestibular-autonomic interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of horizontal optokinetic stimulation (OKS) on human cardiovascular and autonomic responses.
- To compare OKS effects with repeated exposure to a stationary visual stimulus.
Main Methods:
- Participants underwent repeated horizontal optokinetic stimulation (clockwise/anticlockwise) or viewed a stationary stimulus.
- Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse, and circularvection (CV) latency were measured.
- Changes over 20 trials were analyzed for each condition.
Main Results:
- All subjects experienced circularvection.
- No significant differences in mean SBP, DBP, or pulse were found between OKS and control conditions.
- SBP and DBP showed significant changes across trials, irrespective of OKS presence (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Horizontal optokinetic stimulation does not significantly affect human SBP, DBP, or pulse.
- Trial repetition itself can induce significant cardiovascular changes, independent of visual stimulation.