Recovery time from VR sickness due to susceptibility: Objective and quantitative evaluation using...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Virtual Reality Studies

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) use is expanding, increasing concerns about adverse effects like VR sickness.
• Understanding VR sickness and its recovery is crucial for user experience and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate virtual reality (VR) sickness recovery time using electroencephalography (EEG).
• To compare recovery times between individuals with high and low motion sickness susceptibility.
• To identify objective EEG markers associated with VR sickness recovery.

Main Methods:

• 40 participants were assessed for motion sickness susceptibility using the Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire (MSSQ).
• Participants were divided into sensitive and non-sensitive groups based on MSSQ scores.
• VR sickness was induced via a VR video, and recovery was measured using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) and EEG.

Main Results:

• Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) scores significantly increased in both groups after VR exposure (p < 0.001).
• Subjective recovery times (SSQ) were 11.3 ± 6.6 min (sensitive) and 9.1 ± 5.2 min (non-sensitive), with no significant difference.
• EEG indicated a significant increase in delta wave activity across all brain areas (p < 0.01), with an average objective recovery time of 11.5 ± 7.1 min.

Conclusions:

• Individual susceptibility does not significantly alter VR sickness recovery time.
• Both subjective (SSQ) and objective (EEG) measures indicate a consistent VR sickness recovery period of approximately 11.5 minutes.
• Findings provide a basis for establishing recommended VR session durations and recovery periods.