Quantitative orientation preference and susceptibility to space motion sickness simulated in a virtual reality environment.

Quantitative orientation preference and susceptibility to space motion sickness simulated in a virtual reality environment. Brain Res Bull. 2015 Jan 31; Authors: Chen W, Chao JG, Chen XW, Wang JK, Tan C Abstract Orientation preference should appear when variable weightings of spatial orientation cues are used between individuals. It is possible that astronauts' orientation preferences could be a potential predictor for susceptibility to space motion sickness (SMS). The present study was conducted to confirm this relationship on Earth by quantifying orientation preferences and simulating SMS in a virtual reality environment. Two tests were carried out. The first was to quantitatively determine one's orientation preference. Thirty-two participants' vision and body cue preferences were determined by measuring perceptual up (PU) orientations. The ratio of vision and body vector (ROVB) was used as the indicator of one's orientation preference. The second test was to visually induce motion sickness symptoms that represent similar sensory conflicts as SMS using a virtual reality environment. Relationships between ROVB values and motion sickness scores were analyzed, which revealed cubic functions by using optimal fits. According to ROVB level, participants were divided into three groups-body group, vision group, and confusion group-and the factor of gender was further considered as a covariate in the analysis. Consistent differences in moti...
Source: Brain Research Bulletin - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Brain Res Bull Source Type: research