A model for examining the role of stress in functional gastrointestinal disorders

Stress likely plays a role in functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. However, a standard model for studying the effects of stress on the GI system does not exist. This study measured the effects of stress on the GI system by examining gastric emptying (Tlag and T1/2), oral-cecal transit time (OCTT), small bowel transit time (SBTT) and gastric myoelectrical activity (normal 3 cpm and tachygastria) in response to illusory motion. Twenty subjects (10 M and 10 F, ages 18–28) were grouped based on whether they were motion sickness susceptible to a visual stimulus. Tlag and T1/2 were significantly longer for the…