Visually Induced Motion Sickness Research Articles

Determining Work-Rest Schedules for Visual Tasks That Use Optical Head-Mounted Displays Based on Visual Fatigue and Visually Induced Motion Sickness Recovery.

This study aimed to determine work-rest schedules for visual tasks of different lengths by evaluating visual fatigue and visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) using an optical head-mounted display (OHMD). Thirty participants were recruited to perform 15 and 30 min visual tasks using an OHMD. After completing each visual task, participants executed six levels of rest time. Critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF) values, relative electroencephalography indices, and Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) scores were collected and analyzed. Results indicated that after completing the 15 and 30 min visual tasks, participants experienced visual fatigue and VIMS. There was no significant difference between baseline CFF values, four electroencephalography relative power index values, and SSQ scores when participants completed a 15 min visual task followed by a 20 min rest and a 30 min visual task followed by a 30 min rest. Based on our results, a 20 min rest for visual fatigue and VIMS recovery after a 15 min visual task on an OHMD and a 25 min rest for visual fatigue and VIMS recovery after a 30 min visual task on an OHMD are recommended. This study suggests a work-rest schedule for OHMDs that can be used as a reference for OHMD user guidelines to reduce visual fatigue and visually induced motion sickness.

Visual function impairment in patients suffering from visually induced motion sickness. A preliminary observational longitudinal study

Objective Visually induced Motion Sickness (VIMS) is a side effect induced by the physical motion of the person or visual motion that adversely affects otherwise individuals and decreases safety in situations that require high levels of concentration. The exact mechanisms behind the emergence of VIMS are still unknown but can be triggered by direct or indirect stimuli due to mismatches in the visual-vestibular autonomic pathways. The aim of this preliminary study was to explore the presence of visual dysfunctions in patients suffering from VIMS and then evaluate the potential role of a customized visual training (VT) on their perceived sickness symptoms. Methods A total of 9.675 medical records of patients who referred motion sickness were reviewed; 455 patients with a diagnosis of VIMS were included. A total of 95 patients (86 females and 9 males, mean age of 37,68 ± 9.20 years) met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in this study. Two evaluation sessions were carried out immediately before (T0) and after 16 weeks (T1) of visual training (VT). The main goal of VT was to facilitate the visual center-periphery integration. VT was performed 1 day/week/16 weeks under therapist supervision in the Optometric centre and 5 days/week/16 weeks at home without supervision. Results The within-subjects comparison at times T0–T1 showed significant improvement of the symptoms in all the included patients. Conclusion Our results support the hypothesis that patients suffering from VIMS may present also a visual function impairment that can increase the dizziness-related symptoms. Furthermore, visual training can help patients with VIMS and visual dysfunction in reducing capture discomfort, stomach awareness, and nausea.

EEG-based analysis of various sensory stimulation effects to reduce visually induced motion sickness in virtual reality

The use of virtual reality (VR) is frequently accompanied by motion sickness, and approaches for preventing it are not yet well established. We explored the effects of synchronized presentations of sound and motion on visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) in order to reduce VIMS. A total of 25 participants bicycle riding for 5 min with or without sound and motion synchronization presented on a head-mounted display. As a result, the VIMS scores measured by the fast motion sickness scale and simulator sickness questionnaire were significantly lower in the participants who experienced the riding scene with sound and motion than those who experienced the riding scene with sound only, motion only, or neither. Furthermore, analysis of the EEG signal showed that the higher the VIMS, the significant increase in alpha and theta waves in the parietal and occipital lobes. Therefore, we demonstrate that the simultaneous presentation of sound and motion, closely associated with synchronous and visual flow speed, is effective in reducing VIMS while experiencing simulated bicycle riding in a VR environment.

A modularity design approach to behavioral research with immersive virtual reality: A SkyrimVR-based behavioral experimental framework.

Virtual reality (VR) has been shown to be a potential research tool, yet the gap between traditional and VR behavioral experiment systems poses a challenge for many behavioral researchers. To address the challenge posed, the present study first adopted a modularity design strategy and proposed a five-module architectural framework for a VR behavioral experiment system that aimed to reduce complexity and costs of development. Applying the five-module architectural framework, the present study developed the SkyrimVR-based behavioral experimental framework (SkyBXF) module, a basic experimental framework module that adopted and integrated the classic human behavior experiment structure (i.e., session-block-trial model) with the modifiable VR massive gaming franchise The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR. A modified version of previous behavioral research to investigate the effects of masked peripheral vision on visually-induced motion sickness in an immersive virtual environment was conducted as a proof of concept to showcase the feasibility of the proposed five-module architectural framework and the SkyBXF module developed. Behavioral data acquired through the case study were consistent with those from previous behavioral research. This indicates the viability of the proposed five-module architectural framework and the SkyBXF module developed, and provides proof that future behavioral researchers with minimal programming proficiency, 3D environment development expertise, time, personnel, and resources may reuse ready-to-go resources and behavioral experiment templates offered by SkyBXF to swiftly establish realistic virtual worlds that can be further customized for experimental need on the go.

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.

Optical see-through augmented reality can induce severe motion sickness

The aim was to investigate whether severe symptoms of visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) can occur in augmented reality (AR) optical see-through applications. VIMS has been extensively studied in virtual reality (VR), whereas it has received little attention in the context of AR technology, in which the real world is enhanced by virtual objects. AR optical see-through glasses are becoming increasingly popular as technology advances. Previous studies showed minor oculomotor symptoms of VIMS with the aforementioned technology. New applications with more dynamic simulations could alter previously observed symptom severity and patterns. In experiment 1, we exposed subjects to a traditional static AR application for pilot candidate training. In experiment 2, subjects completed tasks in a dynamic starfield simulation. We analyzed symptom profiles pre and post with the simulator sickness questionnaire (SSQ) and during exposure with the Fast Motion Sickness Scale (FMS). We also developed a new FMS-D that captures symptoms of dizziness during simulation. As expected, in experiment 1 we found low VIMS symptomatology with predominantly oculomotor symptoms. In experiment 2, on the other hand, we detected severe VIMS symptoms in some subjects, with disorientation (SSQ subscale) as the main symptom group. The present work demonstrates that VIMS can be of serious concern in modern AR applications. The FMS-D represents a new tool to measure symptoms of dizziness during exposure. VIMS symptoms need to be considered in the design and usage of future AR applications with dynamic virtual objects, e.g. for flight training or machine maintenance work.

Evaluating binaural beats as a therapeutic tool for intervening visually-induced motion sickness in virtual reality environments

Background: Visually-induced motion sickness (VISM) is an emerging problem in the application of virtual reality (VR) technology. Binaural beats are proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels and enhancing pain management in VR environments. They may have the potential to be a remedy for symptoms of visually-induced motion sickness. Objective: To investigate whether binaural beats can effectively ease the symptoms of VIMS. Methods: Motion sickness susceptible individuals (n=35) were assigned to wear VR headsets and watch a 15-min VR video to evoke VIMS. Whenever motion sickness was self-reported by subjects, they were randomized into three groups receiving three types of intervention methods: Subjects in the experimental group listened to binaural beats; The control group was treated with beats of the same frequency at two soundtracks. And the blank group recovered without any sound played in the earphones. Subjects filled in the Simulator Sickness Questionnaires (SSQ) at three stages—before watching the VR video (baseline), during the watching experience (induction), and after watching (recovery). To increase the credibility, their physiological data were collected by a Biofeedback device during the whole process. Results: Participants’ subjective SSQ scores were analyzed, which did not reveal any significant difference between recovery and induction (p>0.05). The physiological data were following the result obtained from analyzing SSQ scores. Conclusion: The binaural beats did not show a significant effect of alleviating VISM.

Detecting and predicting visually induced motion sickness with physiological measures in combination with machine learning techniques

Visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) is a common sensation when using visual displays such as smartphones or Virtual Reality. In the present study, we investigated whether Machine Learning (ML) techniques in combination with physiological measures (ECG, EDA, EGG, respiration, body and skin temperature, and body movements) could be used to detect and predict the severity of VIMS in real-time, minute-by-minute. A total of 43 healthy younger adults (25 female) were exposed to a 15-minute VIMS-inducing video. VIMS severity was subjectively measured during the video using the Fast Motion Sickness Scale (FMS) as well as before and after the video using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ). Thirty-one participants (72%) experienced VIMS in the present study. Results showed that changes in facial skin temperature and body movement had the strongest relationship with VIMS. On a minute-by-minute basis, ML models revealed a medium correlation between the physiological measures and the FMS scores. An acceptable classification score distinguishing between sick and non-sick participants was found. Our findings suggest that physiological measures may be useful for measuring VIMS, but they are not a reliable standalone method to detect or predict VIMS severity in real-time.

Chewing gum reduces visually induced motion sickness

Visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) is a common side-effect of exposure to virtual reality (VR). Its unpleasant symptoms may limit the acceptance of VR technologies for training or clinical purposes. Mechanical stimulation of the mastoid and diverting attention to pleasant stimuli-like odors or music have been found to ameliorate VIMS. Chewing gum combines both in an easy-to-administer fashion and should thus be an effective countermeasure against VIMS. Our study investigated whether gustatory-motor stimulation by chewing gum leads to a reduction of VIMS symptoms. 77 subjects were assigned to three experimental groups (control, peppermint gum, and ginger gum) and completed a 15-min virtual helicopter flight, using a VR head-mounted display. Before and after VR exposure, we assessed VIMS with the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), and during the virtual flight once every minute with the Fast Motion Sickness Scale (FMS). Chewing gum (peppermint gum: M = 2.44, SD = 2.67; ginger gum: M = 2.57, SD = 3.30) reduced the peak FMS scores by 2.05 (SE = 0.76) points as compared with the control group (M = 4.56, SD = 3.52), p < 0.01, d = 0.65. Additionally, taste ratings correlated slightly negatively with both the SSQ and the peak FMS scores, suggesting that pleasant taste of the chewing gum is associated with less VIMS. Thus, chewing gum may be useful as an affordable, accepted, and easy-to-access way to mitigate VIMS in numerous applications like education or training. Possible mechanisms behind the effect are discussed.

Development of Visually Induced Motion Sickness Evaluation Index Using Gaze Data of Elderly People

The benefit of using a noncontact eye-tracking system is its low a burden on individuals for measuring biological signals. The goal of this study was to develop a visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) evaluation index using data collected with a noncontact eye-tracking system for driving simulator (DS) experiments. The participants included nine elderly people with visual and balance functions that did not interfere with their daily life. The gaze data of the participants were measured at rest-both before and after DS trials. The participants answered followed up the simulator sickness questionnaire (SSQ) before and after each trial. The participants were divided into two groups on the basis of their SSQ results. One group experienced VIMS during the DS trial (four people; average age, 79.0 years), whereas the other group did not experience it (five people; average age, 71.2 years). The results of VIMS symptoms were confirmed: data concerning the locus of eye-tracking were lengthened, the eye-tracking data were diffused. This experiment demonstrated the usefulness of sparse density as a quantification index based on eye-tracking data in the evaluation of VIMS. Regarding the application of the findings of this study, it is believed that it will be easier to detect VIMS symptoms induced by DS operations if the index can be used for an eye-tracking data-based evaluation of VIMS.

Analysis of Characteristics of Eye Movement While Viewing Movies and Its Application

In this article, we present the following: a background of visually induced motion sickness (VIMS), the goal of our study, and descriptions of three recent studies conducted by our group on the measurement and analysis of eye movement while viewing movies and the relationship of eye movement with VIMS. First, this study focuses on the relationship between eye movement and motion sickness susceptibility. We investigated the relationship between the motion sickness susceptibility and the frequency of optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) with peripheral viewing. It was revealed that susceptible participants showed a lower OKN frequency under conditions that strongly support the occurrence of OKN than insusceptible participants. Second, this study focuses on the relationship between visual information and postural variation such as visually evoked postural responses (VEPRs). In this study, both eye movement and the center of gravity while viewing a movie were measured. Additionally, we evaluated the difference in the transfer gain of the transfer function (vision as input and equilibrium function as output) due to the type of movie content or way of viewing. The gain for the three-dimensional movie with peripheral viewing exceeded that for the two-dimensional movie with central viewing. Third, this study focuses on eye movement and the application of deep-learning technology. In this study, we classified the eye movement as peripheral or central using a convolutional deep neural network with supervised learning. Then, cross validation was performed to test the classification accuracy. The use of >1-s eye movement data yielded an accuracy of >90%.

Pattern of Body Sway While Viewing 3D Video Clips in Various Age Groups

These days, developments in graphical technology have resulted in an increase in the chance to view 3D video clips. Visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) has been widely reported as a negative result of viewing these clips. The onset of VIMS is explained by some hypotheses. However, the root causes of VIMS have not been elucidated yet, whereas dizziness and nausea are regarded as symptoms of VIMS. In this study, we focus on the difference in the pattern of body sway among age groups and examine whether the consistency between the background and the viewpoint motion depends on the severity of VIMS. This experiment was conducted with 116 subjects aged 15-89 years. They peripherally viewed a 3D video clip showing a sphere whose motion was consistent with their viewpoint (VC-I) and another 3D video clip of a sphere whose motion was inconsistent with their viewpoint (VC-II). Statokinesigrams (SKGs) were recorded with their eyes open and with their eyes closed for 60 s. The amount of sway was calculated from the SKGs. Results showed that for all age groups, sway values were significantly higher when viewing the 3D video clip (VC-II) than in the Pre. However, for the elderly, there was no significant difference between the sway values while viewing the VC-I and those in the Pre. Results suggest that VIMS might not occur in the elderly because of the deterioration of their visual function, such as visual acuity and accommodation, with advancing age.

Comparison of surgical outcomes between 3-dimensional and 2-dimensional laparoscopy of ovarian cyst (LOOC): a randomised controlled trial

The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes and efficacy of 3-dimensional (3D) versus 2-dimensional (2D) imaging systems for the treatment of ovarian cyst. A total of 46 patients undergoing a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy were randomly assigned to either the 3D or 2D laparoscopy group. The primary outcome measure was the operative blood loss. The secondary outcome measure was visually induced motion sickness (VIMS), task efficacy during laparoscopy, and postoperative complication. There were no differences in baseline demographics between the two groups. The operative blood loss was significantly smaller in the 3D groups (28.7 ± 11.6 mL) than in the 2D groups (46.5 ± 24.4 mL) (p = .012). VIMS score was significantly higher in the 3D groups than the 2D groups (p < .001). 3D laparoscopy was superior to 2D in terms of the task efficacy of ovarian cyst enucleation (p < .001), adhesiolysis or dissection (p < .001), and ovarian suturing (p = .008). None of the patients in both groups developed operative complications. In conclusion, a 3D imaging system showed a more favourable surgical outcome and improved task efficacy than 2D in laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. However, 3D laparoscopy tends to cause more frequent VIMS in surgeons. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Several studies examining the possible benefits and drawbacks of a 3D imaging system versus 2D in laparoscopic surgery have brought about conflicting results. However, there have been few studies comparing the surgical outcomes of 3D and 2D laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. What do the results of this study add? 3D laparoscopy showed favourable surgical outcomes and improved task efficacy than 2D laparoscopy in ovarian cystectomy. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? More complex procedures, such as suturing and adhesiolysis, might be easier to perform with 3D laparoscopy than with 2D laparoscopy. Therefore, further large studies of 3D gynaecologic laparoscopy with different complexities and for surgeons with different surgical skills are needed.

Mismatch of Visual-Vestibular Information in Virtual Reality: Is Motion Sickness Part of the Brains Attempt to Reduce the Prediction Error?

Visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) is a relevant limiting factor in the use of virtual reality (VR) devices. Understanding the origin of this problem might help to develop strategies to circumvent this limitation. Previous studies have attributed VIMS to a mismatch between visual, and vestibular information, causing ambiguity of the position of the body in relation to its surrounding. Studies using EEG have shown a shift of the power spectrum to lower frequencies while VIMS is experienced. However, little is known about the relationship between the intensity of the VIMS and the changes in these power spectra. Moreover, the effect of different varieties of VIMS on the causal relationship between brain areas is largely unknown. Here, we used EEG to study 14 healthy subjects in a VR environment who were exposed to increasing levels of mismatch between vestibular and visual information. The frequency power and the bivariate transfer entropy as a measure for the information transfer were calculated. We found a direct association between increasing mismatch levels and subjective VIMS. With increasing VIMS, the proportion of slow EEG waves (especially 1–10 Hz) increases, especially in temporo-occipital regions. Furthermore, we found a general decrease in the information flow in most brain areas but especially in brain areas involved in the processing of vestibular signals and the detection of self-motion. We hypothesize that the general shift of frequency power and the decrease in information flow while experiencing high intensity VIMS represent a brain state of a reduced ability to receive, transmit and process information. We further hypothesize that the mechanism of reduced information flow is a general reaction of the brain to an unresolvable mismatch of information. This reaction aims on transforming a currently unstable model with a high prediction error into a stable model in an environment of minimal contradictory information.

Physical effects of motion sickness for comfortable VR viewing

AbstractIn accordance with developments in the image technology over recent years, it has become easier to watch 3D video clips. As the viewing of 3D video has become more commonplace, symptoms such as visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) and eye fatigue have been reported. Although various theories regarding the underlying causes of the VIMS have been proposed, these causes have yet to be fully investigated. In a previous study, the background of an image was shown to influence the equilibrium function of a subject viewing a 3D video clip. In this study, the authors investigated the influence of image elements such as the size of the visual field especially in the backgrounds of the projected image and velocity of the visual target speed on the body of a subject viewing a 3D video clips by measuring their body sway, the electrocardiogram signals, and the cerebral blood flow using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Our results has indicated that the value of the total locus length is significantly higher while viewing a video clip whose visual fields of backgrounds is not narrowed than that with narrower backgrounds. This suggests that stability in the system to control their posture can be enhanced by reducing the amount of visual information.

Motion sickness diagnostic criteria: Consensus Document of the Classification Committee of the Bárány Society

We present diagnostic criteria for motion sickness, visually induced motion sickness (VIMS), motion sickness disorder (MSD), and VIMS disorder (VIMSD) to be included in the International Classification of Vestibular Disorders. Motion sickness and VIMS are normal physiological responses that can be elicited in almost all people, but susceptibility and severity can be high enough for the response to be considered a disorder in some cases. This report provides guidelines for evaluating signs and symptoms caused by physical motion or visual motion and for diagnosing an individual as having a response that is severe enough to constitute a disorder. The diagnostic criteria for motion sickness and VIMS include adverse reactions elicited during exposure to physical motion or visual motion leading to observable signs or symptoms of greater than minimal severity in the following domains: nausea and/or gastrointestinal disturbance, thermoregulatory disruption, alterations in arousal, dizziness and/or vertigo, headache and/or ocular strain. These signs and/or symptoms occur during the motion exposure, build as the exposure is prolonged, and eventually stop after the motion ends. Motion sickness disorder and VIMSD are diagnosed when recurrent episodes of motion sickness or VIMS are reliably triggered by the same or similar stimuli, severity does not significantly decrease after repeated exposure, and signs/symptoms lead to activity modification, avoidance behavior, or aversive emotional responses. Motion sickness/MSD and VIMS/VIMSD can occur separately or together. Severity of symptoms in reaction to physical motion or visual motion stimuli varies widely and can change within an individual due to aging, adaptation, and comorbid disorders. We discuss the main methods for measuring motion sickness symptoms, the situations conducive to motion sickness and VIMS, and the individual traits associated with increased susceptibility. These additional considerations will improve diagnosis by fostering accurate measurement and understanding of the situational and personal factors associated with MSD and VIMSD.

Physical Effects of Motion Sickness for Comfortable VR Viewing

In accordance with developments in the image technology over recent years, it has become easier to watch 3D video clips. As the viewing of 3D video has become more commonplace, symptoms such as visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) and eye fatigue have been reported. Although various theories regarding the underlying causes of the VIMS have been proposed, these causes have yet to be fully investigated. In a previous study, the background of an image was shown to influence the equilibrium function of a subject viewing a 3D video clip. In this study, the authors investigated the influence of image elements such as the size of the visual field especially in the backgrounds of the projected image and velocity of the visual target speed on the body of a subject viewing a 3D video clips by measuring their body sway, the electrocardiogram signals, and the cerebral blood flow using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Our results has indicated that the value of the total locus length is significantly higher while viewing a video clip whose visual fields of backgrounds is not narrowed than that with narrower backgrounds. This suggests that stability in the system to control their posture can be enhanced by reducing the amount of visual information.

Motion sickness and sense of presence in a virtual reality environment developed for manual wheelchair users, with three different approaches.

Visually Induced Motion Sickness (VIMS) is a bothersome and sometimes unsafe experience, frequently experienced in Virtual Reality (VR) environments. In this study, the effect of up to four training sessions to decrease VIMS in the VR environment to a minimal level was tested and verified through explicit declarations of all 14 healthy participants that were recruited in this study. Additionally, the Motion Sickness Assessment Questionnaire (MSAQ) was used at the end of each training session to measure responses to different aspects of VIMS. Total, gastrointestinal, and central motion sickness were shown to decrease significantly by the last training session, compared to the first one. After acclimatizing to motion sickness, participants' sense of presence and the level of their motion sickness in the VR environment were assessed while actuating three novel and sophisticated VR systems. They performed up to four trials of the Illinois agility test in the VR systems and the real world, then completed MSAQ and Igroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ) at the end of each session. Following acclimatization, the three VR systems generated relatively little motion sickness and high virtual presence scores, with no statistically meaningful difference among them for either MSAQ or IPQ. Also, it was shown that presence has a significant negative correlation with VIMS.

Granulated Rest Frames Outperform Field of View Restrictors on Visual Search Performance

Dynamic field of view (FOV) restrictors have been successfully used to reduce visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) during continuous viewpoint motion control (virtual travel) in virtual reality (VR). This benefit, however, comes at the cost of losing peripheral awareness during provocative motion. Likewise, the use of visual references that are stable in relation to the physical environment, called rest frames (RFs), has also been shown to reduce discomfort during virtual travel tasks in VR. We propose a new RF-based design called Granulated Rest Frames (GRFs) with a soft-edged circular cutout in the center that leverages the rest frames’ benefits without completely blocking the user’s peripheral view. The GRF design is application-agnostic and does not rely on context-specific RFs, such as commonly used cockpits. We report on a within-subjects experiment with 20 participants. The results suggest that, by strategically applying GRFs during a visual search session in VR, we can achieve better item searching efficiency as compared to restricted FOV. The effect of GRFs on reducing VIMS remains to be determined by future work.

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

Two studies were conducted to develop and validate a questionnaire to estimate individual susceptibility to visually induced motion sickness (VIMS). VIMS is a common side-effect when watching dynamic visual content from various sources, such as virtual reality, movie theaters, or smartphones. A reliable questionnaire predicting individual susceptibility to VIMS is currently missing. The aim was to fill this gap by introducing the Visually Induced Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire (VIMSSQ). A survey and an experimental study were conducted. Survey: The VIMSSQ investigated the frequency of nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and eyestrain when using different visual devices. Data were collected from a survey of 322 participants for the VIMSSQ and other related phenomena such as migraine. Experimental study: 23 participants were exposed to a VIMS-inducing visual stimulus. Participants filled out the VIMSSQ together with other questionnaires and rated their level of VIMS using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ). Survey: The most prominent symptom when using visual devices was eyestrain, and females reported more VIMS than males. A one-factor solution with good scale reliability was found for the VIMSSQ. Experimental study: Regression analyses suggested that the VIMSSQ can be useful in predicting VIMS (R2 = .34) as measured by the SSQ, particularly when combined with questions pertaining to the tendency to avoid visual displays and experience syncope (R2 = .59). We generated normative data for the VIMSSQ and demonstrated its validity. The VIMSSQ can become a valuable tool to estimate one's susceptibility to VIMS based on self-reports.