Searching for just a few words should be enough to get started. If you need to make more complex queries, use the tips below to guide you.
Article type: Research Article
Authors: Nooij, S.A.E.a; * | Vanspauwen, R.b | Bos, J.E.b | Wuyts, F.L.b
Affiliations: [a] TNO Human Factors, Soesterberg, The Netherlands | [b] Antwerp University Research Centre for Equilibrium and Aerospace (AUREA), University of Antwerp, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Suzanne A.E. Nooij, Desdemona BV, Kampweg 5, Soesterberg, 3769 DE, The Netherlands. Tel./Fax: +31 655875695; E-mail: Suzanne.Nooij@gmail.com
Abstract: During the first days of spaceflight, about 50–70% of the astronauts experience symptoms of Space Motion Sickness (SMS). It has been proposed that an asymmetry between the left and right otolith organs contributes to an astronaut's individual susceptibility. A recently developed test to measure unilateral utricular function enabled us to re-investigate this so-called otolith asymmetry hypothesis, while using the paradigm of sustained centrifugation as a ground based model for SMS. This latter paradigm has been shown to elicit symptoms similar to those of SMS and is referred to as Sickness Induced by Centrifugation (SIC). In 15 healthy subjects unilateral utricular function was assessed by recording ocular counter rolling during a unilateral centrifugation paradigm. In addition, saccular function was assessed by recording Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs), and horizontal semicircular canal function was assessed using bithermal caloric stimulation. SIC-susceptible subjects showed a marginally higher degree of utricular asymmetry, utricular sensitivity and semicircular canal sensitivity (p < 0.1) than the non-susceptible group. Interestingly, a logistic regression model using both utricular and semicircular canal parameters led to a correct classification of 91% of the subjects. As such, these results suggest that otolith asymmetry is at most one factor – and not present in all susceptible subjects – in defining susceptibility to SMS and SIC. Both the utricular and the canal system might be involved as well.
Keywords: Space adaptation syndrome, hypergravity, otoliths, otolith asymmetry, ocular counter roll, unilateral centrifugation
DOI: 10.3233/VES-2011-0400
Journal: Journal of Vestibular Research, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 141-151, 2011
IOS Press, Inc.
6751 Tepper Drive
Clifton, VA 20124
USA
Tel: +1 703 830 6300
Fax: +1 703 830 2300
sales@iospress.com
For editorial issues, like the status of your submitted paper or proposals, write to editorial@iospress.nl
IOS Press
Nieuwe Hemweg 6B
1013 BG Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 20 688 3355
Fax: +31 20 687 0091
info@iospress.nl
For editorial issues, permissions, book requests, submissions and proceedings, contact the Amsterdam office info@iospress.nl
Inspirees International (China Office)
Ciyunsi Beili 207(CapitaLand), Bld 1, 7-901
100025, Beijing
China
Free service line: 400 661 8717
Fax: +86 10 8446 7947
china@iospress.cn
For editorial issues, like the status of your submitted paper or proposals, write to editorial@iospress.nl
如果您在出版方面需要帮助或有任何建, 件至: editorial@iospress.nl