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Motion sickness: an evolutionary and genetic basis for the negative reinforcement model
1University of Florida Health-Jacksonville, Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Jacksonville, FL 32209, USA. gwknox@bellsouth.net
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|February 1, 2014
Summary
Motion sickness may have evolved as a survival mechanism, with genetic factors strongly influencing susceptibility. This study supports the theory that heritable traits play a significant role in motion sickness.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Neuroscience
- Human genetics
Background:
- Motion sickness is theorized to be an evolved negative reinforcement system.
- This system may discourage activities involving postural instability or sensory conflict, promoting survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence supporting a genetic and heritable basis for motion sickness.
- To evaluate the evolutionary model of motion sickness as a negative reinforcement system.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective literature review.
- Examination of genetic factors, family trees, twin studies, and population-specific susceptibility.
Main Results:
- Abundant evidence supports genetic/heritable factors in motion sickness.
- Examples include alpha-2-adrenergic receptor gene polymorphism and higher susceptibility in certain populations.
- Family and twin studies indicate a heritable predisposition.
Conclusions:
- The theory of heritable negative reinforcement as the basis for motion sickness is well-supported.
- This evolutionary model is consistent with existing medical literature.
- Further research is needed to explore other theories and research avenues.
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