Exploring neurophysiological correlates of visually induced motion sickness using electroencephalography (EEG)

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Sensory Processing

Background:

• Visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) is prevalent with digital devices, causing nausea and headaches.
• The underlying neuro-cognitive mechanisms of VIMS remain unclear.
• Previous electroencephalography (EEG) studies on VIMS yielded conflicting results regarding brainwave activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate electroencephalography (EEG) correlates of visually induced motion sickness (VIMS).
• To explore differences in neural activity between individuals experiencing minimal and mild-moderate VIMS.

Main Methods:

• Participants were exposed to a VIMS-inducing visual stimulus on multiple monitors.
• EEG data were recorded during stimulation, and VIMS severity was rated using the Fast Motion Sickness Scale.
• Time-frequency analyses compared EEG activity between VIMS groups.

Main Results:

• Mild-moderate VIMS was associated with increased delta power in centro-parietal regions (CP2).
• A decrease in alpha power in central regions (Cz) was observed in the mild-moderate VIMS group.
• Group differences in EEG activity emerged over the trial duration, indicating sensitivity to VIMS.

Conclusions:

• EEG appears sensitive to differences in information processing related to VIMS.
• Neurophysiological correlates of VIMS can potentially be identified using EEG.
• Observed EEG differences may reflect the brain's processing of conflicting visual and vestibular information.