Vestibular–Podokinetic interaction without vestibular perception

Abstract

After prolonged stepping in place relative to space over the center of a rotating turntable, blindfolded subjects cannot step on the stationary platform without unknowingly turning themselves relative to space, a phenomenon termed podokinetic after rotation (PKAR). We asked what role the resulting vestibular stimulation might play in the expression of this form of PKAR. A method of servo-stabilizing the body relative to space during PKAR was devised to compare PKAR expression with and without significant vestibular stimulation. Simulated estimates of average central vestibular response profiles were obtained by passing the averaged unidirectional body angular velocity profiles relative to space through a first-order model of the canal system (tau=15 s). Such simulation results suggested that during normal PKAR performed on a stationary platform, the average central vestibular response would likely rise to peak levels equivalent to that induced by about 9 degrees /s within the frequency range of natural head movement. In the servo-stabilized condition, the simulated response was reduced to insignificant levels. Experimental results demonstrated that in the unstabilized condition the rate of rise of PKAR angular velocity was roughly four times slower than in the stabilized condition. We conclude that the normal expression of PKAR conducted on a stationary platform tends to be substantially slowed by interaction with an unperceived vestibular response.