Vertical frames of reference and control of body orientation.
The present paper aims at critically reviewing the most outstanding and recent studies regarding the control of body orientation in the vertical space. A first part defines the general concepts used throughout this manuscript. The second part investigates the vertical perception and the main factors which affect it, while trying to overcome the five areas of theoretical and experimental controversies we have identified in the literature. The third part of this review presents the different theoretical models of the vertical perception and body orientation in space. Finally, the last part focuses on the functional coupling between perception of the vertical and orientation of the body in space. It considers more particularly how these two dimensions interact for explaining the observed behaviors.
Carriot
J
J
Ashton Graybiel Spatial Orientation Laboratory, Brandeis University, Rabb Graduate Center Basement, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA, USA. jcarriot@brandeis.edu
DiZio
P
P
Nougier
V
V
D000054:Acceleration; D003463:Cues; D004594:Electrophysiology; D006112:Gravitation; D006801:Humans; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011434:Proprioception / Q000502:physiology; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*