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Head roll dependent variability of subjective visual vertical and ocular counterroll

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Abstract

We compared the variability of the subjective visual vertical (SVV) and static ocular counterroll (OCR), and hypothesized a correlation between the measurements because of their shared macular input. SVV and OCR were measured simultaneously in various whole-body roll positions [upright, 45° right-ear down (RED), and 75° RED] in six subjects. Gains of OCR were −0.18 (45° RED) and −0.12 (75° RED), whereas gains of compensation for body roll in the SVV task were −1.11 (45° RED) and −0.96 (75° RED). Normalized SVV and OCR variabilities were not significantly different (P > 0.05), i.e., both increased with increasing roll. Moreover, a significant correlation (R 2 = 0.80, slope = 0.29) between SVV and OCR variabilities was found. Whereas the gain of OCR is different from the gain of SVV, trial-to-trial variability of OCR follows the same roll-dependent modulation observed in SVV variability. We propose that the similarities in variability reflect a common otolith input, which, however, is subject to distinct central processing for determining the gain of SVV and OCR.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Albert Züger for technical assistance, Itsaso Olasagasti for statistical advice and Thomas Haslwanter for critically reading the manuscript. Funding was provided by the Swiss National Science Foundation (3200B0-105434), the Betty and David Koetser Foundation for Brain Research, Zurich, Switzerland, and the Center of Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Zurich University Hospital, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland

    Alexander A. Tarnutzer, Christopher J. Bockisch & Dominik Straumann

  2. Departments of Otorhinolaryngology and Ophthalmology, Zurich University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland

    Christopher J. Bockisch

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  1. Alexander A. Tarnutzer
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  2. Christopher J. Bockisch
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  3. Dominik Straumann
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Correspondence to Alexander A. Tarnutzer.

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Tarnutzer, A.A., Bockisch, C.J. & Straumann, D. Head roll dependent variability of subjective visual vertical and ocular counterroll. Exp Brain Res 195, 621–626 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-009-1823-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-009-1823-4

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