Models for neurovestibular adaptation

Abstract

Dynamic models have played a more prominent role in the vestibular and oculomotor field than in any other branch of physiology. The ease of identification of input and output variables and the challenge of multi-loop, multi-axis adaptive control has attracted numerous modelers from engineering and shaped behavioral and neurophysiological experimental programs. In particular, the adaptive characteristics of the neurovestibular system have generated continuing speculation as to mechanisms. This treatment of adaptation and multi-sensor integration covers the development and application of such models, principally in the author's laboratory. It emphasizes the continuing relevance of both "model reference" and "error pattern recognition" notions of adaptive control.