The Visually Induced Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire (VIMSSQ): Estimating Individual Susceptibility to Motion Sickness-Like Symptoms When Using Visual Devices

Effects of dynamic visual feedback system on seasickness

Motion sickness (MS) poses challenges for individuals affected, hindering their activities and travel. This study investigates the effect of a visual dynamic device, forming an artificial horizon plane, on symptoms and physiological changes induced by MS. This device consists of vertical light-emitting diodes whose illumination varies according to the boat's movements. Fifteen subjects with moderate-to-severe MS susceptibility were exposed to a seasickness simulator with and without the device. Symptoms were assessed immediately after exposure. Time spent in the simulator, heart rate, and temperature were also recorded. Symptom intensity at the end of the experience did not differ, but the time spent in the simulator was significantly longer with the device (+46%). Variations in heart rate were also observed. The device delays symptom onset and can be used as a tool against MS. Further research is needed to evaluate its effects, for example, during more prolonged exposure to MS-inducing stimuli.

Detection of virtual reality motion sickness based on EEG using asymmetry of entropy and cross-frequency coupling

The existence of Virtual Reality Motion Sickness (VRMS) is a key factor restricting the further development of the VR industry, and the premise to solve this problem is to be able to accurately and effectively detect its occurrence. In view of the current lack of high-accuracy and effective detection methods, this paper proposes a VRMS detection method based on entropy asymmetry and cross-frequency coupling value asymmetry of EEG. First of all, the EEG of the four selected pairs of electrodes on the bilateral brain are subjected to Multivariate Variational Mode Decomposition (MVMD) respectively, and three types of entropy values on the low-frequency and high-frequency components are calculated, namely approximate entropy, fuzzy entropy and permutation entropy, as well as three types of phase-amplitude coupling features between the low-frequency and high-frequency components, namely the mean value, standard deviation and correlation coefficient; Secondly, the difference of the entropies and the cross-frequency coupling features between the left electrodes and the right electrodes are calculated; Finally, the final feature set are selected via t-test and fed into the SVM for classification, thus realizing the automatic detection of VRMS. The results show that the three classification indexes under this method, i.e., accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, reach 99.5 %, 99.3 % and 99.7 %, respectively, and the value of the area under the ROC curve reached 1, which proves that this method can be an effective indicator for detecting the occurrence of VRMS.

Concussion can increase the risk of visually induced motion sickness

Concussion can lead to various symptoms such as balance problems, memory impairments, dizziness, and/or headaches. It has been previously suggested that during self-motion relevant tasks, individuals with concussion may rely heavily on visual information to compensate for potentially less reliable vestibular inputs and/or problems with multisensory integration. As such, concussed individuals may also be more sensitive to other visually-driven sensations such as visually induced motion sickness (VIMS). To investigate whether concussed individuals are at elevated risk of experiencing VIMS, we exposed participants with concussion (n = 16) and healthy controls (n = 15) to a virtual scene depicting visual self-motion down a grocery store aisle at different speeds. Participants with concussion were further separated into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. VIMS was measured with the SSQ before and after stimulus exposure, and visual dependence, self-reported dizziness, and somatization were recorded at baseline. Results showed that concussed participants who were symptomatic demonstrated significantly higher SSQ scores after stimulus presentation compared to healthy controls and those who were asymptomatic. Visual dependence was positively correlated with the level of VIMS in healthy controls and participants with concussion. Our results suggest that the presence of concussion symptoms at time of testing significantly increased the risk and severity of VIMS. This finding is of relevance with regards to the use of visual display devices such as Virtual Reality applications in the assessment and rehabilitation of individuals with concussion.

Comparing the effects of different circular vection stimuli on upright stance

BACKGROUND

Upright quiet stance is maintained through the complex integration of sensory information from the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems [1]. Virtual reality (VR) is a well-established tool that has been used to study sensory contributions to balance and induce visual perturbations. Previous assessments of virtual environments have suggested that VR can be used to create various visual stimuli that affect balance [2]; however, there is limited work examining which dynamic visual stimulus, in the form of circular vection (CV), is the most effective at inducing whole body lean.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Therefore, this study assessed the effects of two visual stimuli using VR to better understand their effects on postural control.

METHODS

33 healthy young adults between the ages of 18-40, free of neurological impairments, stood quietly on a force plate for 30 s while wearing a head-mounted display. Participants were exposed to a field of random white dots (DOTS) or a black and white striped tunnel (TUNNEL) that rotated in the roll plane at 60°/s clockwise or counterclockwise. Amplitude was calculated from head orientation data recorded from a head-mounted display, and centre of pressure (COP).

RESULTS

Independent of visual stimuli, postural lean was in the same direction as the stimulus. The DOTS stimulus increased Head orientation and COP position compared to the TUNNEL stimulus. There was no significant main effect or interaction with direction for Head or COP data.

SIGNIFICANCE

When comparing the effect of stimulus design on postural sway, a DOTS stimulus was most effective at inducing direction-modulated postural sway This study builds on our understanding of the VR-related destabilizing effects on postural control and shows evidence that a DOTS stimulus has a stronger effect than a TUNNEL stimulus. Overall, it is important to consider the design of visual stimuli when examining VR effects on upright stance.

Investigation of the Correlation Between the Visually Induced Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire and the Turkish Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) is a phenomenon similar to motion sickness frequently observed in users of visual technologies. The Visually Induced Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire (VIMSSQ), developed by Golding et al. (2006), is considered the most effective scale for assessing VIMS susceptibility levels. The main purpose of this study was to standardize the selection of participants for research conducted with virtual reality, especially motion sickness (MS) research. To achieve this, first, the Turkish version of the VIMSSQ was created to establish its validity and reliability, and subsequently, its correlation with the Turkish Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire Short form (HDDA), the expanded version of the Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire Short form (MSSQ), was examined. Subjects and.

METHODS

Linguistic equivalence assessment was obtained from ten experts by passing the VIMSSQ through the translation process. The VIMSSQ and the Turkish MSSQ forms were then administered to 49 subjects. This study statistically analyzed the validity and reliability of the VIMSSQ and its relationship with the MSSQ.

RESULTS

Results showed that the Turkish version of the original questionnaire is highly reliable (Cronbach alpha=0.843). There is a moderate statistically significant positive correlation between the total MSSQ scores and the subfactors of the VIMSSQ.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, VIMSSQ was successfully adapted to Turkish, normative data demonstrated its validity, and all sub-factors were highly reliable. The Turkish version of the VIMSSQ can serve as a valuable tool for estimating individual susceptibility to VIMS.

Exploring neurophysiological correlates of visually induced motion sickness using electroencephalography (EEG)

Visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) is a common phenomenon when using visual devices such as smartphones and virtual reality applications, with symptoms including nausea, fatigue, and headache. To date, the neuro-cognitive processes underlying VIMS are not fully understood. Previous studies using electroencephalography (EEG) delivered mixed findings, with some reporting an increase in delta and theta power, and others reporting increases in alpha and beta frequencies. The goal of the study was to gain further insight into EEG correlates for VIMS. Participants viewed a VIMS-inducing visual stimulus, composed of moving black-and-white vertical bars presented on an array of three adjacent monitors. The EEG was recorded during visual stimulation and VIMS ratings were recorded after each trial using the Fast Motion Sickness Scale. Time-frequency analyses were conducted comparing neural activity of participants reporting minimal VIMS (n = 21) and mild-moderate VIMS (n = 12). Results suggested a potential increase in delta power in the centro-parietal regions (CP2) and a decrease in alpha power in the central regions (Cz) for participants experiencing mild-moderate VIMS compared to those with minimal VIMS. Event-related spectral perturbations (ERSPs) suggested that group differences in EEG activity developed with increasing duration of a trial. These results support the hypothesis that the EEG might be sensitive to differences in information processing in VIMS and minimal VIMS contexts, and indicate that it may be possible to identify neurophysiological correlate of VIMS. Differences in EEG activity related to VIMS may reflect differential processing of conflicting visual and vestibular sensory information.

Design guidelines for limiting and eliminating virtual reality-induced symptoms and effects at work: a comprehensive, factor-oriented review

Virtual reality (VR) can induce side effects known as virtual reality-induced symptoms and effects (VRISE). To address this concern, we identify a literature-based listing of these factors thought to influence VRISE with a focus on office work use. Using those, we recommend guidelines for VRISE amelioration intended for virtual environment creators and users. We identify five VRISE risks, focusing on short-term symptoms with their short-term effects. Three overall factor categories are considered: individual, hardware, and software. Over 90 factors may influence VRISE frequency and severity. We identify guidelines for each factor to help reduce VR side effects. To better reflect our confidence in those guidelines, we graded each with a level of evidence rating. Common factors occasionally influence different forms of VRISE. This can lead to confusion in the literature. General guidelines for using VR at work involve worker adaptation, such as limiting immersion times to between 20 and 30 min. These regimens involve taking regular breaks. Extra care is required for workers with special needs, neurodiversity, and gerontechnological concerns. In addition to following our guidelines, stakeholders should be aware that current head-mounted displays and virtual environments can continue to induce VRISE. While no single existing method fully alleviates VRISE, workers' health and safety must be monitored and safeguarded when VR is used at work.

Assessing Passengers' Motion Sickness Levels Based on Cerebral Blood Oxygen Signals and Simulation of Actual Ride Sensation

(1) Background: After motion sickness occurs in the ride process, this can easily cause passengers to have a poor mental state, cold sweats, nausea, and even vomiting symptoms. This study proposes to establish an association model between motion sickness level (MSL) and cerebral blood oxygen signals during a ride. (2) Methods: A riding simulation platform and the functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology are utilized to monitor the cerebral blood oxygen signals of subjects in a riding simulation experiment. The subjects' scores on the Fast Motion sickness Scale (FMS) are determined every minute during the experiment as the dependent variable to manifest the change in MSL. The Bayesian ridge regression (BRR) algorithm is applied to construct an assessment model of MSL during riding. The score of the Graybiel scale is adopted to preliminarily verify the effectiveness of the MSL evaluation model. Finally, a real vehicle test is developed, and two driving modes are selected in random road conditions to carry out a control test. (3) Results: The predicted MSL in the comfortable mode is significantly less than the MSL value in the normal mode, which is in line with expectations. (4) Conclusions: Changes in cerebral blood oxygen signals have a huge correlation with MSL. The MSL evaluation model proposed in this study has a guiding significance for the early warning and prevention of motion sickness.

Measuring the susceptibility to visually induced motion sickness and its relationship with vertigo, dizziness, migraine, syncope and personality traits

The widespread use of visual technologies such as Virtual Reality increases the risk of visually induced motion sickness (VIMS). Previously, the 6-item short version of the Visually Induced Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire (VIMSSQ short form) has been validated for predicting individual variation in VIMS. The aim of the current study was to investigate how the susceptibility to VIMS is correlated with other relevant factors in the general population. A total of 440 participants (201 M, 239F), mean age 33.6 (SD 14.8) years, completed an anonymous online survey of various questionnaires including the VIMSSQ, Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire (MSSQ), Vertigo in City questionnaire (VIC), Migraine (scale), Social & Work Impact of Dizziness (SWID), Syncope (faintness), and Personality ('Big Five' TIPI). The VIMSSQ correlated positively with the MSSQ (r = 0.50), VIC (r = 0.45), Migraine (r = 0.44), SWID (r = 0.28), and Syncope (r = 0.15). The most efficient Multiple Linear Regression model for the VIMSSQ included the predictors MSSQ, Migraine, VIC, and Age and explained 40% of the variance. Factor analysis of strongest correlates with VIMSSQ revealed a single factor loading with VIMSSQ, MSSQ, VIC, Migraine, SWID, and Syncope, suggesting a common latent variable of sensitivity. The set of predictors for the VIMSSQ in the general population has similarity with those often observed in patients with vestibular disorders. Based on these correlational results, we suggest the existence of continuum of underlying risk factors for sensitivity, from healthy population to patients with extreme visual vertigo and perhaps Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness.

Emotions are associated with the genesis of visually induced motion sickness in virtual reality

Visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) is a well-known side effect of virtual reality (VR) immersion, with symptoms including nausea, disorientation, and oculomotor discomfort. Previous studies have shown that pleasant music, odor, and taste can mitigate VIMS symptomatology, but the mechanism by which this occurs remains unclear. We predicted that positive emotions influence the VIMS-reducing effects. To investigate this, we conducted an experimental study with 68 subjects divided into two groups. The groups were exposed to either positive or neutral emotions before and during the VIMS-provoking stimulus. Otherwise, they performed exactly the same task of estimating the time-to-contact while confronted with a VIMS-provoking moving starfield stimulation. Emotions were induced by means of pre-tested videos and with International Affective Picture System (IAPS) images embedded in the starfield simulation. We monitored emotion induction before, during, and after the simulation, using the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) valence and arousal scales. VIMS was assessed before and after exposure using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) and during simulation using the Fast Motion Sickness Scale (FMS) and FMS-D for dizziness symptoms. VIMS symptomatology did not differ between groups, but valence and arousal were correlated with perceived VIMS symptoms. For instance, reported positive valence prior to VR exposure was found to be related to milder VIMS symptoms and, conversely, experienced symptoms during simulation were negatively related to subjects’ valence. This study sheds light on the complex and potentially bidirectional relationship of VIMS and emotions and provides starting points for further research on the use of positive emotions to prevent VIMS.

Estimating objective (EEG) and subjective (SSQ) cybersickness in people with susceptibility to motion sickness

Cybersickness refers to the uncomfortable side effects, such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea, felt while experiencing virtual reality (VR). This study investigated cybersickness in people with sensitivity to motion sickness using electroencephalography (EEG), the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), and simple VR content. Based on the scores from the Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire (MSSQ), 40 males in their twenties were selected as the sensitive group (n = 20) and non-sensitive group (n = 20). The experiment contained two conditions: a baseline condition representing a resting state and a cybersickness condition in which watching VR content induced cybersickness. The SSQ score increased significantly after watching the VR content in both groups. The sensitive group showed significantly lower absolute power in the beta and gamma bands than the non-sensitive group. The cybersickness condition showed significantly increased delta and decreased alpha compared to the baseline condition. We evaluated EEG and SSQ to identify subjective symptoms and objective physiological changes associated with cybersickness.

Motion sickness: current concepts and management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Motion sickness is an ancient phenomenon that affects many people. Nausea, vomiting, disorientation, sweating, fatigue, and headache are just few of the many signs and symptoms that are commonly experienced during an episode of motion sickness. In the present review, we will provide an overview of the current research trends and topics in the domain of motion sickness, including theoretical considerations, physiological and neural mechanisms, individual risk factors, and treatment options, as well as recommendations for future research directions.

RECENT FINDINGS

More recently, motion sickness has been in the focus of attention in the context of two global technological trends, namely automated vehicles and virtual reality. Both technologies bear the potential to revolutionize our daily lives in many ways; however, motion sickness is considered a serious concern that threatens their success and acceptance. The majority of recent research on motion sickness focuses on one of these two areas.

SUMMARY

Aside from medication (e.g. antimuscarinics, antihistamines), habituation remains the most effective nonpharmacological method to reduce motion sickness. A variety of novel techniques has been investigated with promising results, but an efficient method to reliably prevent or minimize motion sickness has yet to emerge.

Visually induced dizziness

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Visually induced dizziness (VID) is a common phenomenon in vestibular disorders of both peripheral and central causes. This article provides a review of the most updated understandings of definition, pathophysiology, and treatment options.

RECENT FINDINGS

The pathophysiology is complex and its severity or persistence may be related both to the underlying cause and heritable factors. Environmental and psychological factors may influence the degree of impact of VID on daily life function. Treatment is mostly empiric at this point but includes pharmacologic, desensitization, cognitive behavioral therapies, visual rehabilitation, and treatment of the underlying cause whenever present. Additional research is needed to clarify the best management of this vestibular symptom as well as some of the other conditions with which it is commonly associated.

SUMMARY

VID is a fairly common vestibular syndrome constitutng spatial disorientation without illusory motion. As it is seen in both peripheral and central vestibular disorders, it should be considered a syndrome or constellation of symptoms rather than a discrete disorder. In some cases, it may be the presenting symptom with no other clear disorder linked to it.

Self-initiation Inhibits the Postural and Electrophysiological Responses to Optic Flow and Button Pressing

As we move through our environment, our visual system is presented with optic flow, a potentially important cue for perception, navigation and postural control. How does the brain anticipate the optic flow that arises as a consequence of our own movement? Converging evidence suggests that stimuli are processed differently by the brain if occurring as a consequence of self-initiated actions, compared to when externally generated. However, this has mainly been demonstrated with auditory stimuli. It is not clear how this occurs with optic flow. We measured behavioural, neurophysiological and head motion responses of 29 healthy participants to radially expanding, vection-inducing optic flow stimuli, simulating forward transitional motion, which were either initiated by the participant's own button-press ("self-initiated flow") or by the computer ("passive flow"). Self-initiation led to a prominent and left-lateralized inhibition of the flow-evoked posterior event-related alpha desynchronization (ERD), and a stabilisation of postural responses. Neither effect was present in control button-press-only trials, without optic flow. Additionally, self-initiation also produced a large event-related potential (ERP) negativity between 130-170 ms after optic flow onset. Furthermore, participants' visual induced motion sickness (VIMS) and vection intensity ratings correlated positively across the group - although many participants felt vection in the absence of any VIMS, none reported the opposite combination. Finally, we found that the simple act of making a button press leads to a detectable head movement even when using a chin rest. Taken together, our results indicate that the visual system is capable of predicting optic flow when self-initiated, to affect behaviour.