ESTIMATION OF PASSIVE HORIZONTAL LINEAR WHOLE-BODY DISPLACEMENT IN HUMANS

1. Passive linear self-motion estimation along the X and Y axes was in vestigated in human subjects. 2. A target was viewed from a distance o f 0.8 or 2.4 m from the starting point. Subjects were then blindfolded and transported toward the target on a distance of 3.2 m and back to the start. Acceleration was constant: +/- 0.2 or +/- 1 m/s2. The subje cts pushed a button on both outward and return paths, when they passed the previously seen target. 3. The results showed anticipation of the target on the outward path, and not on the return. This was identical for both axes and both accelerations. 4. The data are in accord with a model of double integration of the otolith signal, suggesting that l inear path integration is a basic sensory mechanism.