A wearable device providing a visual fixation point for the alleviation of motion sickness symptoms

Abstract

Objectives: Motion sickness (MS) can be problematic for many military operations. Some pharmaceutical countermeasures are effective but can lead to side effects. Non-pharmaceutical countermeasures vary in effectiveness and can require time to be beneficial (e.g., desensitization). Previous research suggests that visual fixation can alleviate MS symptoms. In the current experiment we tested the effectiveness of a user-worn device that provides a visual fixation point that moves with the user. Methods: Fourteen subjects viewed the interior of a rotating optokinetic drum (60°/s) through a visor that displayed either a clear view of the scene (control) or the scene with a fixation point (experimental). After 5 minutes of viewing, symptoms were assessed using (1) the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire that yields four scores (total, nausea, oculomotor, and disorientation) and (2) a 0 to 10 MS overall scale. Results: Viewing the fixation point resulted in significantly lower scores for all measures. Control condition scores were as much as 400% higher than when the fixation point was viewed. Conclusions: A wearable device that presents a visual fixation point that moves with the user may reduce MS. The device’s portability suggests that it may be suitable for some military operations, and additional research in the field is warranted.