Profiling subjective symptoms and autonomic changes associated with cybersickness

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Virtual Reality

Background:

• Cybersickness is a subtype of motion sickness triggered by virtual reality (VR) immersion.
• Understanding the physiological and subjective responses to VR is crucial for its widespread adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate objective physiological measures for cybersickness.
• To examine the effects of repeated exposure to VR on cybersickness symptoms and tolerance.

Main Methods:

• Fourteen healthy subjects underwent a 15-minute VR rollercoaster ride daily for three days.
• Physiological data (heart rate, respiration, skin conductance) and subjective nausea ratings were collected.
• The Motion Sickness Assessment Questionnaire was administered before, during, and after VR exposure.

Main Results:

• Forehead skin conductance correlated significantly with subjective nausea ratings.
• Autonomic arousal was observed at the onset of VR rides.
• Significant habituation occurred, with increased ride tolerance and reduced symptom severity over the three days.

Conclusions:

• Phasic changes in forehead skin conductance can objectively quantify nausea experienced during VR.
• Habituation to VR content reduces cybersickness symptoms with repeated exposure.