Harmonic versus impulsive acceleration testing of the vestibulo-ocular reflex in normal humans.

Vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) was tested in 9 normals by using both harmonic and impulsive (post-rotary) angular accelerations. From both responses VOR gain and phase shift were computed by considering nystagmus slow-phase velocity. Paired comparison couldn't prove statistically significant differences between the two sets of data. It is concluded that, in normals, equivalent information about VOR static and dynamic properties can be obtained from either harmonic acceleration or post-rotary test.