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Convergence-initiated voluntary flutter: a normal intrinsic capability in man
Brain Research
|March 5, 1984
Summary
Humans can learn to produce saccadic flutter, a type of eye movement. This learned saccadic flutter is not an inherited trait but a skill that can be developed, challenging previous assumptions about its genetic basis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Voluntary nystagmus, characterized by recurrent saccades without intervals, was previously hypothesized as an inherited trait.
- The inherent capability for producing saccadic flutter in humans has been a subject of scientific inquiry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether the ability to produce saccadic flutter is an inherent human capability.
- To compare saccadic eye movements in individuals with voluntary nystagmus and control subjects.
Main Methods:
- Purkinje image eye movement recordings were utilized to analyze saccadic eye movements.
- Control subjects underwent training to assess their ability to generate saccadic flutter.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in saccade peak velocity-amplitude curves or microsaccades between subjects with voluntary nystagmus and control subjects.
- Control subjects successfully learned to produce saccadic flutter through training, generating complete saccades.
Conclusions:
- Voluntary flutter is not a genetic trait but a learned motor skill that is typically underdeveloped in humans.
- The findings support models of saccade generation, such as the Robinson model, suggesting an inherent capacity for producing saccadic flutter within these frameworks.