The subject is placed in the swivel chair, blindfolded, then spun about the vertical axis while keeping their head upright or tilted forward or to the side.

The subject is then asked to perform tasks such as determine their direction of rotation while blindfolded, or rapidly change the orientation of their head, or attempt to point at a stationary object without blindfold after the chair is stopped.

The chair is used to demonstrate spatial disorientation effects, proving that the vestibular system is not to be trusted in flight.

[citation needed] The device is also used in motion sickness therapy.

[1] The chair was named for Hungarian physiologist Robert Bárány, who used this device in his research into the role of the inner ear in the sense of balance.