Effect of a novel motion desensitization training regime and controlled breathing on habituation to motion sickness.
To study whether controlled breathing, known to ameliorate motion sickness, speeds habituation to nauseogenic motion when used in a novel accelerated training regime, 30 participants (13 men, 17 women, ages 18-51 years) were randomized to either a Breathing group or a Control group. Randomization was balanced for rotation tolerance measured during a first exposure to off-vertical axis rotation (OVAR 72 degrees sec.(-1)). Participants subsequently received four exposures to OVAR in 1-hr. (accelerated training). The Breathing group followed taped instructions to control their breathing during training and when retested the next day. There was overall habituation with stimulus repetition, shown by an increase in tolerance for motion, a reduction in symptoms, and speeded recovery times on retesting. There was a tendency for greater habituation with controlled breathing.
Yen Pik Sang
Fleur
F
MRC Spatial Disorientation Group, Movement and Balance Department, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital.
Billar
Jessica
J
Gresty
Michael A
MA
Golding
John F
JF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003887:Desensitization, Psychologic / Q000379:methods*; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006185:Habituation, Psychophysiologic; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009041:Motion Sickness / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D012119:Respiration; D012399:Rotation