Recording and Analysis of the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex with Pendular Movement in the Vertical Plane

Abstract

The study of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) has been mainly focused on horizontal responses because it is the plane in which the human being is more accustomed to movements. With the use of sensors (accelerometer and gyroscope) as well as a video camera, the response of the VOR in the vertical plane was recorded. Using image processing techniques, the displacement of the eyeball was obtained and with the sensor (accelerometer and gyroscope) it was possible to record the movement of the head. Tests were performed with pendular movement in the vertical plane to obtain the gain of the vestibulo-ocular reflex. Although it is possible to record the horizontal responses, the tests were planned to register a greater alteration in the vertical plane. It was observed that it is possible to record in the vertical plane the responses of the VOR, which can be very useful in different areas such as sports medicine, aviation medicine for the detection of problems associated with posture and balance.