Predicting Motion Sickness Sensitivity
Anna J. C. Reuten, Jelte E. Bos, Jeroen B. J. SmeetsObjective
To determine the combined effectiveness of personal factors in predicting motion sickness sensitivity elicited by linear motion of a sled.
Background
Technologies that create challenging motion environments have spurred the development of mathematical models aimed at predicting motion sickness. Including personal factors may improve their predictive accuracy. History of motion sickness, age, gender, and visual dependence have been identified as potential predictors, although their individual predictive value is limited.
Method
We assessed motion sickness history, age, and gender through a questionnaire. To evaluate visual dependence, participants oriented a virtual rod parallel to the orientation of gravity while observing a tilted static frame or a disc rotating in roll. Sensitivity is expressed using a new measure that considers both the magnitude and accumulation of self-reported symptoms.
Results
Our results confirmed the predictive value of history and showed a small yet significant contribution of dynamic visual dependence, with greater dependence associated with higher sensitivity (
Conclusion
Combining multiple predictors shows little advantage for improving a prediction of sensitivity beyond history alone. Future studies could confirm the predictive value of dynamic visual dependence and seek to optimize recent history, for example, by restricting time period and motion environment.
Application
Improved prediction models may support tailoring system parameters to user sensitivity in technologies such as automated driving, head mounted displays, and simulators.