Minimum acceleration that humans can sense

[pixel01]

I often travel by train. Sometimes, the train starts so slightly that I can not feel anything until look out of the windows. I know that's because of small acceleration.

The question is is there an acceleration threshold for human beings to be sensed?

I hope this is suitable for this box.

Thanks

 

[Ouabache]

Here is some light http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1402298 related to your question. It's a scientific study on psychophysical acceleration detection thresholds.

 

[pixel01]

Thanks for the link

 

[Andy Resnick]

Interesting question. Our bodies have multiple methods of determining motion and orientation: eyes and inner ear in addition to motor neurons. There is also a difference in perceiving acceleration and velocity.

I recall a study showing that slightly vibrating a platform upon which subjects stood made it easier to balance and remain on the platform.

PubMed has quite a few articles under the search term:

acceleration threshold sensation human

scan and see what looks interesting...