Subjective Visual Vertical test with the 3D virtual reality system: effective factors and cybersickness

Abstract

Background 3D Virtual Reality (VR) offers new opportunities in vestibular science. It also presents new challenges and problems. Aims/objectives The study aimed to evaluate the effective factors in the 3D VR Subjective Visual Vertical (SVV) test and the impact of cybersickness on the test results. Material and methods The effect of the foam surface, head position in the yaw axis, moving background, and arm position holding the controller was tested. Cybersickness was evaluated using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ). Results The head position and controller holding style significantly affected the results. The foam surface and the moving background did not have a significant effect. Although 61.4% of the patients fell into the bad category according to the symptoms of the SSQ score, cybersickness did not significantly affect the SVV results. Conclusions and significance In 3D VR SVV, additional factors should be considered: the headset’s weight, head position, and how we hold the controller. The A-effect emerged when the head was 45 degrees turned on the yaw axis. A significant shift was detected in the test, with the arm holding the controller at 90 degrees. Most subjects felt cybersickness at a considerable level. Cybersickness should always be taken into account in VR when planning new applications.