Test-retest reliability of the virtual reality sickness evaluation using electroencephalography (EEG)

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) sickness lacks standardized, objective measurement methods.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) shows potential for objective VR sickness assessment.
• Test-retest reliability of EEG for VR sickness has not been established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the test-retest reliability of EEG for measuring VR sickness.
• To identify specific EEG patterns associated with VR sickness.
• To explore EEG as an objective biomarker for VR sickness.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 21 male participants (mean age 25.0) sensitive to motion sickness (MSSQ 75th percentile).
• Administered EEG assessments twice, one week apart, during VR exposure designed to induce sickness.
• Utilized Simulation Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) alongside EEG for subjective and objective measures.

Main Results:

• EEG showed good test-retest reliability (ICC, Cronbach's alpha) for delta, theta, and alpha waves in frontal and central regions.
• Significant, repeatable differences in EEG (delta, theta, alpha) were observed between baseline and VR sickness states.
• Specific EEG wave patterns and brain areas demonstrated consistency and significant changes related to VR sickness.

Conclusions:

• EEG demonstrates reliable test-retest consistency for specific brainwave patterns in VR sickness assessment.
• Identified EEG markers (delta, theta, alpha waves in frontal/central areas) are sensitive to VR-induced sickness.
• Findings support the potential of EEG as an objective tool for evaluating VR sickness.