Das dauernde Rechnen als Methode zur Erh�hung und Aufrechterhaltung der Vigilanz bei der Elektronystagmographie

Abstract

During electronystagmography (ENG) a magnetic tape is used and with it simple arithmetical problems including the solutions are presented in time intervals of 15 s, the solutions being correct or incorrect in a random succession. The test person holds a simple electric bell in his hand having been instructed to press the bell-buttom once or twice, depending wether the announced solution is correct or not. During the recording of the ENG these signals are made visible as rectangular impulses on a separate trace, thus allowing control over the degree of cooperation of the test person. To prove the value of the described procedure 20 normal persons were investigated after sleep deprivation of one night with and without presentation of arithmetical problems, both investigations changing alternately. The evaluation of the parameters of ENG clearly demonstrates a significant difference in both experimental procedures, particulary in respect of frequency and angular velocity of the slow nystagmus phase. The described method has not only proved valuable for increasing vigilance but also for maintaining a steady level of vigilance during the electronystagmographic investigation.