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Motion sickness and proprioceptive aftereffects following virtual environment exposure
K M Stanney1, R S Kennedy, J M Drexler
1University of Central Florida, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems, Orlando 32816, USA.
Applied Ergonomics
|March 31, 1999
Summary
Virtual environments (VE) can cause lingering aftereffects, including increased motion sickness and altered limb position sense. These changes may impact user safety upon returning to the real world.
Area of Science:
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Neuroscience
- Virtual Reality
Background:
- Virtual environments (VE) offer immersive experiences but potential physiological aftereffects are not fully understood.
- Assessing post-exposure effects is crucial for understanding user adaptation and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the aftereffects of virtual environment exposure on visually guided behavior and proprioception.
- To quantify self-reported motion sickness after VE use.
Main Methods:
- 34 subjects underwent 30-minute virtual environment exposure.
- Tests included visually guided pointing (eyes open/closed) and motion sickness self-reports administered pre- and post-exposure.
- Results were replicated using a different VE system.
Main Results:
- Participants reported significantly higher motion sickness after VE exposure (p < 0.03).
- Felt limb position shifted, with subjects pointing higher (p < 0.038) and slightly left post-exposure.
- Replication study confirmed increased sickness (p < 0.001) and pointing errors (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Virtual environment use can lead to persistent aftereffects in proprioception and increased sickness.
- These recalibrations may cause physiological maladaptation to the real world post-VE.
- Further research with objective measures is needed to understand VE aftereffects and ensure user safety.