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Training of voluntary torsion
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|April 1, 1978
Summary
Human subjects learned to control eye movements, specifically cyclorotary movements, through visual feedback training. This demonstrates significant oculomotor plasticity, suggesting potential for treating conditions like strabismus.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Human Physiology
Background:
- The oculomotor system's capacity for voluntary control over torsional eye movements is not fully understood.
- Investigating the plasticity of the oculomotor system is crucial for understanding eye movement disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To train human subjects to perform voluntary cyclorotary eye movements using visual feedback.
- To assess the extent of oculomotor plasticity through voluntary training of torsional eye movements.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a visual feedback technique to train subjects in making conjugate cyclorotary eye movements.
- Employed photographic recording to document voluntary cyclofixations and track training progress.
- Assessed torsional saccadic tracking and control experiments to confirm voluntariness and rule out visual induction.
Main Results:
- Subjects achieved a range of 30 degrees in voluntary cyclorotary eye movements after training.
- Training enhanced abilities in cyclotorsional pursuit and torsional saccadic tracking.
- Voluntary torsional movements could be performed without visual stimulation after extended practice.
Conclusions:
- The oculomotor system exhibits greater plasticity than previously assumed, demonstrated by the emergence of voluntary torsion through training.
- These findings suggest that training may offer new avenues for alleviating symptoms of strabismus and other eye movement disorders.