In 26 healthy adults the threshold for appearance of flicker, S
1, and
ΔS, that is, the difference of S
1 and the threshold for disappearance, S
2, were measured by the method of electric flicker, and the data obtained were treated statistically.
1. Some significant nt practice effect was observed in experiments on beginners, so that it is advisable to have at least one session for practice in such measurements.
2. There was a high correlation between S
1 and
ΔS, and between S
2 and its standard deviation (S. D.) or
ΔS and its S. D.
3. A threshold load with a bicycle ergometer, at which
ΔS just increased significantly at 5 percent level was determined. After exercise with a load 1.5 times as great as the threshold load, both Sl and
ΔS increased remarkably, where no significant correlation could be found between
ΔS and its S. D.
4.
ΔS was found more sensitive to threshold loads than was S
1, where stimulation with Röntgen rays, vestibular stimulation and exercise with a bicycle ergometer were used as threshold loads. It was concluded from these findings that
ΔS is a more sensitive indicator than S
1, while both of them may be. used equally well for measuring effects of heavier loads.
We are greatly indebted to Prof. K. Motokawa for his generous guidance and valuable suggestions.
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