Human Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Adaptation: Consolidation Time Between Repeated Training Blocks Improves Retention

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Motor Learning
• Vestibular Rehabilitation

Background:

• The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is crucial for gaze stabilization during head movements.
• VOR adaptation training aims to increase VOR gain, but the role of consolidation is unclear.
• Clinicians often incorporate rest periods in vestibular rehabilitation, suggesting potential benefits of consolidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if incorporating rest periods (consolidation) between VOR adaptation training blocks enhances VOR adaptation and retention.
• To determine the optimal training protocol for VOR adaptation, considering the effects of consolidation.

Main Methods:

• Nine healthy subjects participated in six sessions over separate days.
• Training protocols included single 5-min blocks (1x5-min) and three 5-min blocks separated by 20-min rest periods (3x5-min).
• Active and passive VOR gains were measured before and after training, with retention assessed over 1 hour for protocols with consolidation breaks.

Main Results:

• A single 5-min VOR training block increased VOR gain by 3.1%.
• Three 5-min blocks without consolidation resulted in a smaller gain increase (7.1%) compared to the sum of individual blocks.
• While VOR adaptation was not significantly improved by consolidation, retention of VOR gain over 1 hour was enhanced.

Conclusions:

• Consolidation breaks did not improve VOR adaptation in the tested protocols.
• Incorporating rest periods between shorter training blocks significantly improved VOR gain retention.
• These findings suggest that VOR adaptation exercises are best performed in shorter, repeated blocks with consolidation for optimal long-term effects.