Effect of physical exercise upon nystagmus and locomotor dysequilibrium after labyrinthectomy in experimental primates.

Spontaneous nystagmus and locomotor equilibrium function were repeatedly tested before and after unilateral labyrinthectomy in 12 squirrel monkeys in order to study the effect of physical exercise on the vestibulo-oculomotor and vestibulo-locomotor compensation. Post-operatively, 6 of the monkeys received forced physical exercise in the rotating cage, while the other 6 did not. The provocation of post-operative spontaneous nystagmus was less in the exercise group. The statistical studies showed a certain contribution of physical exercise toward the oculomotor balance compensation and maintenance, probably at the level of the brain stem. Statistical comparison of the locomotor equilibrium performance did not depict a significant difference between the exercise and non-exercise groups; however, there was a possibility that the present testing maneuver which involves physically advanced tasks might have concealed the effect of the physical exercise.