This article was downloaded by: [University of New Hampshire] On: 07 February 2015, At: 20:59 Publisher: Routledge Informa Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, UK
The Journal of General Psychology Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/vgen20
Intensity of Motion Sickness Symptoms as a Function of Apparent Autonomic Balance a
David M. Parker & William E. Wilsoncroft
a
a
Department of Psychology , California State University, Northridge , USA Published online: 06 Jul 2010.
To cite this article: David M. Parker & William E. Wilsoncroft (1978) Intensity of Motion Sickness Symptoms as a Function of Apparent Autonomic Balance, The Journal of General Psychology, 98:2, 253-257, DOI: 10.1080/00221309.1978.9920879 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00221309.1978.9920879
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content.
Downloaded by [University of New Hampshire] at 20:59 07 February 2015
This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http://www.tandfonline.com/page/terms-and-conditions
The Journal of General Psychology, 1978, 98, 253-257.
INTENSITY OF MOTION SICKNESS SYMPTOMS AS A FUNCTION O F APPARENT AUTONOMIC BALANCE* Department of Psychology, California State University, Novthridge
Downloaded by [University of New Hampshire] at 20:59 07 February 2015
DAVIDM. PARKER
AND
WILLIAM E. WILSONCROFT
SUMMARY Twenty volunteer male college students were exposed to motion picture films which reliably elicit symptoms of motion sickness. Those Ss with relatively higher apparent sympathetic nervous system dominance showed significantly smaller autonomic reactions to the film. It was concluded that increased sympathetic tone tended to reduce autonomic reactions to motion sickness stimuli. I t was suggested that the sympathetic nervous system symptoms that usually occur in motion sickness are actually defensive reactions rather than symptoms of nausea.
A.
INTRODUCTION
Wood and Graybiel (15) have postulated a mechanism of a dual nature in the etiology of motion sickness, based on their psychopharmacological investigations. In the proposed system reticular fibres surrounding the vestibular nuclei would receive cholinergic bombardment when motion conducive to motion sickness was encountered, and this impetus would then radiate to the vomiting center. A nor-epinepherine system would concurrently react to the motion stimulus and would tend to offset the cholinergic effect on the vomiting center. Thus, a cholinergic blocking agent used together with a sympathomimetic agent would be maximally effective in preventing symptoms of motion sickness. Evidence supporting this notion comes from several studies where scopalomine used together with D-amphetamine was found to be highly effective in preventing motion sickness symptoms in rotating rooms (14, 16).
Wendt (10) found a relationship between neuroticism and susceptibility to motion sickness, but did not expect the relationship to hold in the general
* Received in the Editorial Office, Provincetown, Massachusetts, on February i , 1977. Copyright, 1978, by The Journal Press. 2 53
Downloaded by [University of New Hampshire] at 20:59 07 February 2015
2 54
JOURNAL OF GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
population. Money (3) reports evidence both for and against anxiety as a causative factor, and suggests that anxiety is a t best a minor factor in motion sickness etiology. Indeed, if the Wood-Graybiel hypothesis is correct, one would expect the anxious person to be less susceptible than the normal, since his tonically active sympathetic nervous system (SNS) would be providing a high level of resistance to the cholinergic bombardment of the vomiting center. This line of reasoning may be suggestively supported by evidence (1) that training aircrews suffer five times the incidence of motion sickness as do combat crews, although combat crews should be more anxious than training crews. The present study investigates the autonomic responses of Ss with characteristic high and low apparent SNS activation when exposed to stimuli that reliably produce symptoms of motion sickness.
B.
PROCEDURES
Ss were 20 volunteer male Ss drawn from the student population. Ss were given a preliminary test (12) to determine the autonomic factor and the groups were divided a t the median test score. High A scores indicate apparent parasympathetic (PNS) dominance, and low scores apparent SNS dominance. The score has been found negatively related to anxiety ( 2 , 4). Equal numbers of high and low scoring Ss viewed first a relatively innocuous film demonstrating nystagmus in fowls (5 min) and then either a nine minute film depicting a high speed car ride down twisting mountain roads (M), or the same film ( 5 ) with apparent direction reversed (MR). The film shown in the reversed mode produced little arousal and was included as a control. Eight autonomic variables were monitored by polygraph with the use of the techniques of Wenger, Engel, and Clemens (13) throughout the resting and film periods. These variables are listed in Table 1.
(A)
C.
RESULTS
Each polygraph record was analyzed by taking measures during the last 15 seconds of each minute during the resting and innocuous film periods for each variable. During the stimulus film period, readings were taken of each variable in the minute during which Palmar skin resistance reached its maximum deflection. Within this minute all variables were found to have reached their maxima. The data employed in the statistical analysis were the differences between means of the innocuous film levels and the stimulus film maxima. Three Ss in the Motion (M) group reported strong nausea and imminent vomiting had the film not stopped. The others reported malaise in varying degrees. No S in the Reversed Motion (MR) group reported any symptom.
DAVID M. PARKER AND WILLIAM E. WILSONCROFT
TABLE
255
1
MEANWIMAL PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES M THE Two STIMULUS FILMSBY HIGH AND Low A GROUPS PLUSRANKORDERCORRELATIONS BETWEENA AND MAXIMAL MOTION FILMRESPONSES
Downloaded by [University of New Hampshire] at 20:59 07 February 2015
Variable
Recording A interval
Palmar skin conductance change (micromhos) Volar skin conductance change (micromhos) Finger temperature ("C.) Face temperature ("C.)
2" 2"
High Low High
LOW 6" 6"
6"
Finger pulse volume ( t microliterdstroke) Respiration rate (respirationdmin) Heart rate (beatshin)
C
-.loo
LOW
-.a20
High High LOW High
LOW
C
High
LOW
C
.294 .040 ,279 ,096
High
LOW Forehead temperature ("C.)
Motion film
High
LOW
-.120 ,270 - ,030 -.lo0 -.00248 .OOO60 -4.240 1.400 14.20 4.60
Reversed film -.063
-.007 ,023 ,011 ,400 - ,030 -. 150 -.010 -.020 ,450 .OOO50 .ooOol
.060 .040 2.440 1.220
R .64* .63
- .33 -.37
-.14
-.75* -.lo
.71*
Note: C = continuous recording.
* p < .05.
Analysis of variance revealed no significant differences between group mean responses to the innocuous film. Mean maximal responses to the two experimental films are presented in Table 1 along with means for high and low A groups and the rank order correktions between A scores and maximal scores to the Motion film. High and low A groups showed significant differences in autonomic function when compared over both film presentations (see Table 2). D.
DISCUSSION
The results of the present study, while they agree with the Wood and Graybiel hypothesis, are at variance with previous studies (6, 7, 8, 11) in that anxiety as reflected by low A scores seems to have the effect of reducing the magnitude of autonomic responses to motion stimuli of a visual nature. Chinn and Smith ( 1) report five times greater incidence of motion sickness in training aircrews over combat crews, and this is consistent with the results of the present study. However, sickness during training would likely lead to washing out, thus leaving the two populations with little commonality.
256
J O U R N A L O F GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
Downloaded by [University of New Hampshire] at 20:59 07 February 2015
TABLE 2 SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES IN AUTONOMIC FUNCTIONS OF HIGHAND Low A SUBJECTS OVER Two EXPERIMENTAL FILMCONDITIONS Variable
High
Volar conductance Face temperature Forehead temperature Finger pulse volume Respiration rate Heart rate
Increase Decrease Decrease Decrease Decrease Increase
*p
LOW
A
Less increase Increase Increase Increase Increase Less increase
F ratio 6.50* 13.61** 4.41*
6.60* 8.50** 6.05*
< .05.
** p
The Journal of General Psychology Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/vgen20
Intensity of Motion Sickness Symptoms as a Function of Apparent Autonomic Balance a
David M. Parker & William E. Wilsoncroft
a
a
Department of Psychology , California State University, Northridge , USA Published online: 06 Jul 2010.
To cite this article: David M. Parker & William E. Wilsoncroft (1978) Intensity of Motion Sickness Symptoms as a Function of Apparent Autonomic Balance, The Journal of General Psychology, 98:2, 253-257, DOI: 10.1080/00221309.1978.9920879 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00221309.1978.9920879
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content.
Downloaded by [University of New Hampshire] at 20:59 07 February 2015
This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http://www.tandfonline.com/page/terms-and-conditions
The Journal of General Psychology, 1978, 98, 253-257.
INTENSITY OF MOTION SICKNESS SYMPTOMS AS A FUNCTION O F APPARENT AUTONOMIC BALANCE* Department of Psychology, California State University, Novthridge
Downloaded by [University of New Hampshire] at 20:59 07 February 2015
DAVIDM. PARKER
AND
WILLIAM E. WILSONCROFT
SUMMARY Twenty volunteer male college students were exposed to motion picture films which reliably elicit symptoms of motion sickness. Those Ss with relatively higher apparent sympathetic nervous system dominance showed significantly smaller autonomic reactions to the film. It was concluded that increased sympathetic tone tended to reduce autonomic reactions to motion sickness stimuli. I t was suggested that the sympathetic nervous system symptoms that usually occur in motion sickness are actually defensive reactions rather than symptoms of nausea.
A.
INTRODUCTION
Wood and Graybiel (15) have postulated a mechanism of a dual nature in the etiology of motion sickness, based on their psychopharmacological investigations. In the proposed system reticular fibres surrounding the vestibular nuclei would receive cholinergic bombardment when motion conducive to motion sickness was encountered, and this impetus would then radiate to the vomiting center. A nor-epinepherine system would concurrently react to the motion stimulus and would tend to offset the cholinergic effect on the vomiting center. Thus, a cholinergic blocking agent used together with a sympathomimetic agent would be maximally effective in preventing symptoms of motion sickness. Evidence supporting this notion comes from several studies where scopalomine used together with D-amphetamine was found to be highly effective in preventing motion sickness symptoms in rotating rooms (14, 16).
Wendt (10) found a relationship between neuroticism and susceptibility to motion sickness, but did not expect the relationship to hold in the general
* Received in the Editorial Office, Provincetown, Massachusetts, on February i , 1977. Copyright, 1978, by The Journal Press. 2 53
Downloaded by [University of New Hampshire] at 20:59 07 February 2015
2 54
JOURNAL OF GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
population. Money (3) reports evidence both for and against anxiety as a causative factor, and suggests that anxiety is a t best a minor factor in motion sickness etiology. Indeed, if the Wood-Graybiel hypothesis is correct, one would expect the anxious person to be less susceptible than the normal, since his tonically active sympathetic nervous system (SNS) would be providing a high level of resistance to the cholinergic bombardment of the vomiting center. This line of reasoning may be suggestively supported by evidence (1) that training aircrews suffer five times the incidence of motion sickness as do combat crews, although combat crews should be more anxious than training crews. The present study investigates the autonomic responses of Ss with characteristic high and low apparent SNS activation when exposed to stimuli that reliably produce symptoms of motion sickness.
B.
PROCEDURES
Ss were 20 volunteer male Ss drawn from the student population. Ss were given a preliminary test (12) to determine the autonomic factor and the groups were divided a t the median test score. High A scores indicate apparent parasympathetic (PNS) dominance, and low scores apparent SNS dominance. The score has been found negatively related to anxiety ( 2 , 4). Equal numbers of high and low scoring Ss viewed first a relatively innocuous film demonstrating nystagmus in fowls (5 min) and then either a nine minute film depicting a high speed car ride down twisting mountain roads (M), or the same film ( 5 ) with apparent direction reversed (MR). The film shown in the reversed mode produced little arousal and was included as a control. Eight autonomic variables were monitored by polygraph with the use of the techniques of Wenger, Engel, and Clemens (13) throughout the resting and film periods. These variables are listed in Table 1.
(A)
C.
RESULTS
Each polygraph record was analyzed by taking measures during the last 15 seconds of each minute during the resting and innocuous film periods for each variable. During the stimulus film period, readings were taken of each variable in the minute during which Palmar skin resistance reached its maximum deflection. Within this minute all variables were found to have reached their maxima. The data employed in the statistical analysis were the differences between means of the innocuous film levels and the stimulus film maxima. Three Ss in the Motion (M) group reported strong nausea and imminent vomiting had the film not stopped. The others reported malaise in varying degrees. No S in the Reversed Motion (MR) group reported any symptom.
DAVID M. PARKER AND WILLIAM E. WILSONCROFT
TABLE
255
1
MEANWIMAL PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES M THE Two STIMULUS FILMSBY HIGH AND Low A GROUPS PLUSRANKORDERCORRELATIONS BETWEENA AND MAXIMAL MOTION FILMRESPONSES
Downloaded by [University of New Hampshire] at 20:59 07 February 2015
Variable
Recording A interval
Palmar skin conductance change (micromhos) Volar skin conductance change (micromhos) Finger temperature ("C.) Face temperature ("C.)
2" 2"
High Low High
LOW 6" 6"
6"
Finger pulse volume ( t microliterdstroke) Respiration rate (respirationdmin) Heart rate (beatshin)
C
-.loo
LOW
-.a20
High High LOW High
LOW
C
High
LOW
C
.294 .040 ,279 ,096
High
LOW Forehead temperature ("C.)
Motion film
High
LOW
-.120 ,270 - ,030 -.lo0 -.00248 .OOO60 -4.240 1.400 14.20 4.60
Reversed film -.063
-.007 ,023 ,011 ,400 - ,030 -. 150 -.010 -.020 ,450 .OOO50 .ooOol
.060 .040 2.440 1.220
R .64* .63
- .33 -.37
-.14
-.75* -.lo
.71*
Note: C = continuous recording.
* p < .05.
Analysis of variance revealed no significant differences between group mean responses to the innocuous film. Mean maximal responses to the two experimental films are presented in Table 1 along with means for high and low A groups and the rank order correktions between A scores and maximal scores to the Motion film. High and low A groups showed significant differences in autonomic function when compared over both film presentations (see Table 2). D.
DISCUSSION
The results of the present study, while they agree with the Wood and Graybiel hypothesis, are at variance with previous studies (6, 7, 8, 11) in that anxiety as reflected by low A scores seems to have the effect of reducing the magnitude of autonomic responses to motion stimuli of a visual nature. Chinn and Smith ( 1) report five times greater incidence of motion sickness in training aircrews over combat crews, and this is consistent with the results of the present study. However, sickness during training would likely lead to washing out, thus leaving the two populations with little commonality.
256
J O U R N A L O F GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
Downloaded by [University of New Hampshire] at 20:59 07 February 2015
TABLE 2 SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES IN AUTONOMIC FUNCTIONS OF HIGHAND Low A SUBJECTS OVER Two EXPERIMENTAL FILMCONDITIONS Variable
High
Volar conductance Face temperature Forehead temperature Finger pulse volume Respiration rate Heart rate
Increase Decrease Decrease Decrease Decrease Increase
*p
LOW
A
Less increase Increase Increase Increase Increase Less increase
F ratio 6.50* 13.61** 4.41*
6.60* 8.50** 6.05*
< .05.
** p
