SOME INFLUENCES OF VISION ON SUSCEPTIBILITY TO MOTION SICKNESS

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 50  (11) , 1122-1125
Abstract
Two experiments were performed to evaluate the influence of vision on susceptibility to motion sickness during exposure to constant patterns of vestibular stimulation. The motion profile involved accelerating subjects at 20.degree./s2-300.degree./s2, maintaining constant velocity for 30 s and decelerating to a rapid stop in about 1.5 s. The number of stops tolerated by a subject before reaching the motion sickness endpoint was his score. Subjects were tested twice with eyes open and twice with eyes blindfolded. Fewer sudden stops were tolerated when permitted sight of the experimental chamber. The effect of having the eyes-open or closed at different stages of the motion profile was evaluated. Periods with eyes open were more stressful but this was especially true during the sudden stops. General implications for understanding situations where vision alone elicits symptoms of motion sickness and situations involving vestibular stimulation where vision heightens susceptibility were discussed.