Prediction in smooth pursuit.

A quantitative analysis of prediction in smooth pursuit was made in 23 normal subjects. The target wave (random sinusoidal wave), which contains a predictive portion and a nonpredictive portion, was developed by the authors, using a microcomputer. Five parameters were established quantitatively after microcomputer A/D conversion of the eye movements every 10 ms. There was no significant difference in amplitude gain, retinal error velocity, velocity gain or acceleration gain between the predictive and the non-predictive portions. However, a significant difference between the predictive portion and the nonpredictive portion was found in phase lag. We therefore concluded that the predictive function in smooth pursuit, in normal subjects, is the most important factor in the phase relationship between target wave and eye movements.