Related Experiment Videos
Asian hypersusceptibility to motion sickness
R M Stern1, S Hu, S H Uijtdehaage
1Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA.
Human Heredity
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Asian individuals may be more susceptible to motion sickness. Studies found Chinese subjects experienced more severe motion sickness symptoms and gastric disturbances compared to other groups.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Human Behavior
Background:
- Motion sickness affects many individuals, impacting daily life and travel.
- Previous research has suggested potential ethnic differences in motion sickness susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that Asian subjects exhibit hypersusceptibility to motion sickness.
- To compare motion sickness severity and physiological responses between Asian and European-American/African-American groups.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a rotating optokinetic drum in three laboratory studies.
- Measured motion sickness symptoms, gastric myoelectric activity, and vasopressin levels.
- Included Chinese women, American-born children of Asian parents, and Chinese men and women.
Main Results:
- Chinese women reported significantly more severe motion sickness and gastric disturbances than European-American and African-American women.
- Similar hypersusceptibility was observed in American-born children of Asian parents.
- Chinese men and women showed increased vasopressin levels during rotation.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a potential hypersusceptibility to motion sickness among Asian populations.
- Results indicate possible genetic underpinnings for these observed differences.
- Further research into genetic mechanisms is warranted to understand motion sickness variations.
Keywords:
Non-programmatic