Comparing the Differences in Brain Activities and Neural Comodulations Associated With Motion Sickness Between...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Human Physiology
• Automotive Psychology

Background:

• Motion sickness (MS) is commonly thought to affect passengers more than drivers.
• Previous research has not directly compared neural activity between passengers and drivers experiencing MS.
• Understanding brain dynamics in MS is crucial for developing effective countermeasures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare the brain dynamics associated with motion sickness in passengers versus drivers.
• To identify neural correlates differentiating MS severity between vehicle occupants.
• To explore the neuro-physiological regulation mechanisms involved in motion sickness.

Main Methods:

• Utilized electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings and subjective MS level assessments during a simulated driving task.
• Employed Independent Component Analysis (ICA) to isolate MS-related neural signals (ICs).
• Applied comodulation analysis to identify specific spectral modulators (IMs) linked to MS.

Main Results:

• Passengers exhibited significantly greater increases in alpha band (8-12 Hz) power in parietal, occipital, and motor areas correlated with MS severity.
• Drivers showed smaller increases in alpha band power compared to passengers.
• Enhanced activation of alpha independent modulators (IMs) was observed in passengers, correlating with higher MS levels.

Conclusions:

• Passengers experience greater sensory conflicts than drivers, leading to more pronounced motion sickness.
• Passengers require greater neuro-physiological regulation to manage motion sickness.
• EEG-based analysis reveals distinct neural patterns associated with motion sickness in passengers and drivers.