Proprioceptive input overrides vestibulo-spinal drive during human locomotion.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of vestibulo-spinal drive on the performance of various locomotor-like movements. The extent of body rotation was assessed during walking (1 Hz and 2 Hz), running and hopping in place after vestibular stimulation (10 body rotations; 0.5 Hz). Compared to the controls, body rotations with eyes closed were larger during hopping than while running and smallest during walking independent of stepping frequency. A close correlation existed between the absolute duration of stance phase of the two legs and the rotation of the body. It is suggested that the amount of proprioceptive feedback from the legs determines the influence of vestibulo-spinal input on body movement.