Contribution of eye position to movement perception

Abstract

Objective To investigate the influence of gaze eccentricity on movement perception during asymmetric vestibular stimulation.

Material and Methods Subjects (n=10) were placed on a rotating platform and oscillated asymmetrically in the dark. Subjects were asked to reproduce with a pointer the location in space of a light spot that was turned off at the beginning of the oscillation. The target was presented in centric and eccentric (0°, 20° and 40°) positions.

Results In the centric position a large shift from the real position of the target was observed in the opposite direction to that of the faster vestibular stimulation. The shift increased when the target was placed eccentrically toward the slower vestibular stimulation side and decreased when it was placed in the opposite direction.

Conclusion The dependence of rotation perception on the target position suggests that the eye deviation, imposed by the eccentricity of the target, is able to influence the perception of body movement and may modulate the internal reference frame.

Keywords:

• eye position
• space perception
• vestibular system

Pettorossi VE, Panichi R, Bambagioni D, Grassi S, Botti FM. Contribution of eye position to movement perception. Acta Otolaryngol 2004; 124: 471–474.

Pettorossi VE, Panichi R, Bambagioni D, Grassi S, Botti FM. Contribution of eye position to movement perception. Acta Otolaryngol 2004; 124: 471–474.