Evaluation of sensory discomfort caused by stimulation with virtual reality in volunteers with and without kinetosis

ABSCTRACT

Purpose

to compare the symptoms of motion sickness caused by virtual reality stimulation in volunteers with and without history of the disease.

Methods

qualitative and analytical, observational, cross-sectional, and prospective study, approved by Research Ethics Committee, 3.443.429/19, with volunteers with and without history of motion sickness who were subjected to immersion in VR with the use of virtual reality glasses. Before and after sensory stimulation, the participant had respiratory rate (RF), heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (PAs) and diastolic blood pressure (PAd) measured. On the first day, the volunteer was exposed to a video that simulated a person in a car, with a predominance of lateral visual flow. A week later, an animation of a roller coaster, with a predominance of frontal visual flow. During the 10-minute experiment, a score from 0 to 10 was given every 30 seconds for the intensity of the discomfort felt by the volunteer. A post-questionnaire was conducted to assess motion sickness symptoms.

Results

individuals with motion sickness history had a higher intensity of symptoms in the car (p = 0.026) and roller coaster experiment (p = 0.035). There was no correlation between motion sickness and the variables HR,FR,PA. Patients with motion sickness gave higher scores of discomfort throughout the experiments, mainly in the roller coaster experience.

Conclusion

individuals with motion sickness present more intense symptoms when subjected to stimuli by VR compared to controls without disease.

Keywords:
Motion sickness; Virtual reality; Nausea; Dizziness; Patient health questionnaire