Effects of a Bone-Conducted Vibration Device on Virtual Reality Induced Cybersickness
Abstract
Introduction: The implementation of virtual reality (VR) training environments is of particular interest for military training commands because of their low-cost, easy-to-use, and flexible training capabilities. However, while VR systems are valuable tools for immersive training and experiences, they have a propensity to induce cybersickness (CS), resulting in symptoms that parallel those of traditional motion sickness (MS). Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a bone-conducted vibration (BCV) device in mitigating CS in a virtual environment. Methods: Here, we used a randomized, placebo-controlled design with repeated-measures. Participants (n = 27) underwent a simulated flight session during two separate visits in counterbalanced order of BCV condition (placebo versus experimental). Participants passively experienced a 30-min flight presented via a head-mounted VR display; participants did not control their flight. While participants completed a target tracking task (TT), electroencephalography (EEG), heart rate (HR), and subjective MS/CS ratings were measured. Results: While participants reported greater CS symptoms over the course of the flights, as expected, our results indicated that the experimental BCV device did not mitigate participants' overall CS and MS ratings. The BCV device had no effect on participants' performance of the TT, and there was no change in EEG spectral power for the experimental device compared to the placebo device. While the BCV device was associated with HR, these findings were confounded by order effects. Conclusions: These findings have relevant implications for military aviation training programs. Future studies should investigate the effectiveness of alternative non-invasive, wearable CS/MS countermeasures combined with the use of VR devices.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 18, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1177540
Entities
People
- Dain Horning
- Kara J Blacker
- Kiersten J. Weahterbie
- Peter Le
- Sarah Sherwood
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory
- Leidos
- Naval Air Warfare Center
- Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton