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Individual motion perception parameters and motion sickness frequency sensitivity in fore-aft motion.
Tugrul Irmak1, Ksander N de Winkel2, Daan M Pool3
1Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628, CD, Delft South Holland, Netherlands. t.irmak@tudelft.nl.
Experimental Brain Research
|March 29, 2021
Summary
Individual motion sickness sensitivity varies greatly. A strong link was found between verticality perception and general motion sickness, suggesting personalized approaches are needed for motion sickness management.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human Factors
- Vestibular System Research
Background:
- Previous research suggests motion sickness sensitivity is linked to individual motion perception characteristics.
- Understanding these individual differences is crucial for developing effective motion sickness countermeasures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between individual motion perception (velocity storage and subjective vertical time constants) and motion sickness frequency responses.
- To determine if cross-over frequency, derived from the Multi Sensory Observer Model (MSOM), correlates with motion sickness sensitivity.
- To explore individual variability in motion sickness frequency responses.
Main Methods:
- Participants' velocity storage and subjective vertical time constants were measured using Earth Vertical Axis Rotation (EVAR) and centrifugation.
- Motion sickness frequency responses were assessed by exposing participants to sinusoidal fore-aft motions at various frequencies (0.15-0.5 Hz).
- Sickness severity was quantified using the MIsery SCale (MISC) and the Motion Sickness Assessment Questionnaire (MSAQ).
Main Results:
- No significant group-level effect of frequency on motion sickness was found, but substantial individual variability in frequency sensitivity was observed.
- The frequency of peak motion sickness sensitivity did not correlate with velocity storage or subjective vertical time constants.
- A strong positive correlation was found between the subjective vertical time constant and general motion sickness sensitivity (r = 0.74, p = 0.0006).
Conclusions:
- Motion sickness frequency sensitivity is an individual characteristic.
- The strong correlation between subjective vertical time constant and motion sickness highlights the importance of verticality perception in translational sickness.
- Current group-averaged models of motion sickness may not fully capture individual responses.
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