Functional brain network analysis of VR motion sickness

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Virtual Reality Research
• Brain-Computer Interfaces

Background:

• Virtual Reality (VR) technology is rapidly advancing, leading to increased use in various applications.
• VR-induced motion sickness (VR-MS) remains a significant challenge, impacting user experience and limiting widespread adoption.
• Understanding the neural underpinnings of VR-MS is crucial for developing effective countermeasures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neural impact of VR motion sickness using functional brain network analysis.
• To correlate changes in Electroencephalogram (EEG) frequency bands with VR motion sickness severity.
• To elucidate the neural excitation mechanisms underlying VR-MS.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-six subjects were assessed for VR sensitivity using a subjective evaluation scale.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) data were collected before and after a VR experiment.
• Functional brain networks were constructed, and topological characteristic parameters were analyzed across different frequency bands (Delta, Alpha).

Main Results:

• Individuals sensitive to VR motion sickness showed increased clustering coefficients and local efficiencies in the Delta band.
• Sensitive participants also exhibited increased characteristic path lengths in the Alpha band.
• Insensitive individuals and other frequency bands showed no significant alterations in brain network parameters.

Conclusions:

• Alterations in Delta and Alpha frequency bands are critical in the mechanism of VR-induced motion sickness.
• These changes signify enhanced local brain information processing and modified global network efficiency for visual stimuli and attention modulation.
• The findings provide a theoretical basis for the neurological effects of VR-MS and a framework for future research.