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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
10:12
Three Dimensional Vestibular Ocular Reflex Testing Using a Six Degrees of Freedom Motion Platform
Published on: May 23, 2013
Vertical display oscillation effects on forward vection and simulator sickness
Stephen Palmisano1, Frederick Bonato, Andrea Bubka
1School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia. Stephenp@uow.edu.au
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|October 25, 2007
Summary
Vertical oscillation in visual displays significantly enhances vection and increases simulator sickness. This study shows high-frequency vertical motion amplifies self-motion perception and adverse symptoms during simulated travel.
Area of Science:
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Virtual Reality
- Perception Psychology
Background:
- Investigated the impact of vertical display oscillation on vection and simulator sickness.
- Explored the relationship between visual motion stimuli and user experience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine how vertical display oscillation affects vection (the sensation of self-motion).
- To assess the influence of vertical oscillation on simulator sickness severity.
Main Methods:
- 16 subjects were exposed to optic flow displays simulating forward motion with or without vertical oscillation (1.8, 3.7, 7.4 Hz).
- Vection strength and motion sickness symptoms were rated during 10-min exposures.
- The Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) was administered before and after each trial.
Main Results:
- Displays with vertical oscillation generated significantly stronger vection ratings compared to non-oscillating displays.
- Vertically oscillating displays resulted in significantly higher total SSQ scores, indicating increased simulator sickness.
- Both vection and sickness symptoms intensified with prolonged exposure to optic flow.
Conclusions:
- High-frequency vertical oscillation enhances vection in optic flow displays simulating self-motion.
- Vertical oscillation significantly increases simulator sickness severity.
- This phenomenon represents a specific interaction between visual motion and sensory perception in virtual environments.
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