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| Research article summary (published 30 Jan 2009): |
Spatial disorientation in gondola centrifuges predicted by the form of motion as a whole in 3-D.
Full Abstract
INTRODUCTION: During a coordinated turn, subjects can misperceive tilts. Subjects accelerating in tilting-gondola centrifuges without external visual reference underestimate the roll angle, and underestimate more when backward-facing than when forward-facing. In addition, during centrifuge deceleration, the perception of pitch can include tumble while paradoxically maintaining a fixed perceived pitch angle. The goal of the present research was to test two competing hypotheses: 1) that components of motion are perceived relatively independently and then combined to form a three-dimensional (3-D) perception; and 2) that perception is governed by familiarity of motions as a whole in three dimensions, with components depending more strongly on the overall shape of the motion. METHODS: Published experimental data from existing tilting-gondola centrifuge studies were used. The two hypotheses were implemented formally in computer models, and centrifuge acceleration and deceleration were simulated. RESULTS: The second, whole-motion oriented hypothesis better predicted subjects' perceptions, including the forward-backward asymmetry and the paradoxical tumble upon deceleration. The predominant stimulus at the beginning of the motion and the familiarity of centripetal acceleration were important factors. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional perception is better predicted by taking into account familiarity with the form of 3-D motion.
Author information
Author/s: Holly, Jan E (JE); Harmon, Katharine J (KJ);
Affiliation: Department of Mathematics, Colby College, 5845 Mayflower Hill, Waterville, ME 04901, USA. jeholly(-atsign-)colby.edu
Grants: R15 DC008311-01 (Agency:NIDCD NIH HHS) ; R15-DC008311 (Agency:NIDCD NIH HHS)
Journal and publication information
Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Journal: Aviation, space, and environmental medicine (Aviat Space Environ Med), published in United States. (Language: eng)
Reference: 2009-Feb; vol 80 (issue 2) : pp 125-34
Dates: Created 2009/02/09; Completed 2009/03/12; Revised 2009/11/03;
PMID: 19198199, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/4/2009, IMS Date: )
Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.
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