Reported thresholds of self-motion perception are influenced by testing paradigm

• Published in: Journal of neurology Vol. 269; no. 11; pp. 5755 - 5761
• Main Authors: Pleshkov, M., Rondas, N., Lucieer, F., van Stiphout, L., Janssen, M., Guinand, N., Perez-Fornos, A., Demkin, V., van Rompaey, V., Kingma, H., van de Berg, R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.11.2022; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Cues; Humans; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Motion; Motion detection; Motion Perception; Neurology; Neuroradiology; Neurosciences; Original Communication; Paradigms; Perception; Sensory integration; Sensory Thresholds; Vestibular system; Vestibule, Labyrinth; Visual Perception; Visual stimuli; Twelve-option paradigm; Two-option paradigm; Self-motion thresholds; Motion perception
• ISSN: 0340-5354; 1432-1459; 1432-1459
• DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11032-y

Background/objective Different testing paradigms have been proposed to investigate perceptual self-motion thresholds. They can differ regarding the amount of possible motions that patients have to choose from. Objective of this study was to compare the two-option paradigm and twelve-option paradigm, to investigate whether reducing the choice options significantly influences the reported thresholds of self-motion perception of healthy subjects. Methods Thirty-three volunteers with no prior vestibular complaints were included and sequentially tested with both paradigms at a random sequence. Perceptual self-motion thresholds were measured using a hydraulic motion platform in the absence of external visual and auditory cues. The platform delivered twelve different movements: six translations and six rotations. Each subject had to report the correct type and direction of movements. Thresholds were determined by a double confirmation of the lowest threshold, in combination with a double rejection of the one-step lower stimulus. Perceptual self-motion thresholds of both paradigms were compared using the mixed model analysis. Results The twelve-option paradigm showed significantly higher reported thresholds for yaw rotations and translations left, right and down ( p  < 0.001), compared to the two-option paradigm. No statistical difference was found for rolls and translations up. No significant gender effect, learning effect and carry-over effect were present in any of the applied motion directions. Conclusion Reported thresholds of self-motion perception of healthy subjects are influenced by the testing paradigm. The twelve-option paradigm showed significantly higher thresholds than the two-option paradigm. Results obtained with each testing paradigm should, therefore, be compared to paradigm-specific normative data.