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Experimental Brain Research Jun 2021Previous literature suggests a relationship between individual characteristics of motion perception and the peak frequency of motion sickness sensitivity. Here, we used...
Previous literature suggests a relationship between individual characteristics of motion perception and the peak frequency of motion sickness sensitivity. Here, we used well-established paradigms to relate motion perception and motion sickness on an individual level. We recruited 23 participants to complete a two-part experiment. In the first part, we determined individual velocity storage time constants from perceived rotation in response to Earth Vertical Axis Rotation (EVAR) and subjective vertical time constants from perceived tilt in response to centrifugation. The cross-over frequency for resolution of the gravito-inertial ambiguity was derived from our data using the Multi Sensory Observer Model (MSOM). In the second part of the experiment, we determined individual motion sickness frequency responses. Participants were exposed to 30-minute sinusoidal fore-aft motions at frequencies of 0.15, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 Hz, with a peak amplitude of 2 m/s in five separate sessions, approximately 1 week apart. Sickness responses were recorded using both the MIsery SCale (MISC) with 30 s intervals, and the Motion Sickness Assessment Questionnaire (MSAQ) at the end of the motion exposure. The average velocity storage and subjective vertical time constants were 17.2 s (STD = 6.8 s) and 9.2 s (STD = 7.17 s). The average cross-over frequency was 0.21 Hz (STD = 0.10 Hz). At the group level, there was no significant effect of frequency on motion sickness. However, considerable individual variability was observed in frequency sensitivities, with some participants being particularly sensitive to the lowest frequencies, whereas others were most sensitive to intermediate or higher frequencies. The frequency of peak sensitivity did not correlate with the velocity storage time constant (r = 0.32, p = 0.26) or the subjective vertical time constant (r = - 0.37, p = 0.29). Our prediction of a significant correlation between cross-over frequency and frequency sensitivity was not confirmed (r = 0.26, p = 0.44). However, we did observe a strong positive correlation between the subjective vertical time constant and general motion sickness sensitivity (r = 0.74, p = 0.0006). We conclude that frequency sensitivity is best considered a property unique to the individual. This has important consequences for existing models of motion sickness, which were fitted to group averaged sensitivities. The correlation between the subjective vertical time constant and motion sickness sensitivity supports the importance of verticality perception during exposure to translational sickness stimuli.
Topics: Humans; Motion; Motion Perception; Motion Sickness; Rotation; Space Perception
PubMed: 33779793
DOI: 10.1007/s00221-021-06093-w -
Experimental Brain Research Feb 2022Visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) is a common side-effect of exposure to virtual reality (VR). Its unpleasant symptoms may limit the acceptance of VR technologies...
Visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) is a common side-effect of exposure to virtual reality (VR). Its unpleasant symptoms may limit the acceptance of VR technologies for training or clinical purposes. Mechanical stimulation of the mastoid and diverting attention to pleasant stimuli-like odors or music have been found to ameliorate VIMS. Chewing gum combines both in an easy-to-administer fashion and should thus be an effective countermeasure against VIMS. Our study investigated whether gustatory-motor stimulation by chewing gum leads to a reduction of VIMS symptoms. 77 subjects were assigned to three experimental groups (control, peppermint gum, and ginger gum) and completed a 15-min virtual helicopter flight, using a VR head-mounted display. Before and after VR exposure, we assessed VIMS with the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), and during the virtual flight once every minute with the Fast Motion Sickness Scale (FMS). Chewing gum (peppermint gum: M = 2.44, SD = 2.67; ginger gum: M = 2.57, SD = 3.30) reduced the peak FMS scores by 2.05 (SE = 0.76) points as compared with the control group (M = 4.56, SD = 3.52), p < 0.01, d = 0.65. Additionally, taste ratings correlated slightly negatively with both the SSQ and the peak FMS scores, suggesting that pleasant taste of the chewing gum is associated with less VIMS. Thus, chewing gum may be useful as an affordable, accepted, and easy-to-access way to mitigate VIMS in numerous applications like education or training. Possible mechanisms behind the effect are discussed.
Topics: Chewing Gum; Humans; Motion Sickness; Music; Surveys and Questionnaires; Virtual Reality
PubMed: 34997261
DOI: 10.1007/s00221-021-06303-5 -
Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance Sep 2021The objectives were to assess the prevalence, severity, and medication taken, and to look for predictive factors in order to better identify characteristics of...
The objectives were to assess the prevalence, severity, and medication taken, and to look for predictive factors in order to better identify characteristics of passengers at risk of motion sickness during transport from Hobart in Tasmania to the French polar stations in Antarctica. There were 239 passengers who were surveyed over 4 yr with 4 round trips per year using the Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire (MSSQ), Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), state-trait anxiety test (STAI-Trait and STAI-State), and general parameters (age, gender, number of trips, jet-lag, direction of the trip), medication, calculation of the distance of each passengers cabin to the center of gravity (CoG). While the passengers had a low intrinsic sensitivity to motion sickness (MSSQ), 94 reported at least one SSQ symptom of motion sickness, and 38 vomited. Five associated factors were discovered: greater initial sensitivity (MSSQ), anticipation of being ill, younger age, higher level of anxiety at midtrip, and greater distance from the CoG. Of the passengers, there were 54 who took anti-motion sickness medication at different times of the trip, however, these passengers experienced more nausea. This could be due to self-selection since they were more sensitive to motion sickness. We identified three predictive factors of motion sickness (greater intrinsic susceptibility, younger age, and greater cabin distance from the CoG). For preventive purposes, two associated factors of MS (anticipation of being ill, MSSQ score) were determined to classify three groups of risk of MS to improve passenger care during the trip. .
Topics: Humans; Motion Sickness; Nausea; Oceans and Seas; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vomiting
PubMed: 34645552
DOI: 10.3357/AMHP.5696.2021 -
Neurology India 2019This article presents a review of the current findings related to neurovestibular physiology, aetiology, and proposed theories on space motion sickness (SMS) during... (Review)
Review
This article presents a review of the current findings related to neurovestibular physiology, aetiology, and proposed theories on space motion sickness (SMS) during acute and sustained exposure to microgravity. The review discusses the available treatment options including medication and nonpharmacological countermeasure methods that help to prevent the development of SMS in weightlessness. Ground-based simulations using virtual reality, flight simulations, and Barany's chairs can be applied to study SMS and demonstrate its signs and symptoms to space crew members. Space motion sickness has been observed in approximately 70% of astronauts within the first 72 h in microgravity, having in general an instantaneous onset of signs and symptoms. Stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, pallor, cold sweating, salivation, tachypnoea, belching, fatigue, drowsiness, and stress hormone release have been documented. This can have detrimental effects on the well-being of astronauts in the initial phase of a space mission. Mental and physical performance may be affected, jeopardizing operational procedures and mission safety.
Topics: Humans; Space Flight; Space Motion Sickness; Vestibule, Labyrinth; Weightlessness
PubMed: 31134912
DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.259127 -
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon) Jun 2022Motion sickness and low back disorders are prevalent and debilitating conditions that affect the health, performance, and operational effectiveness of military aircrews....
BACKGROUND
Motion sickness and low back disorders are prevalent and debilitating conditions that affect the health, performance, and operational effectiveness of military aircrews. This study explored the effects of a motion sickness stimulus on biomechanical and genetic factors that could potentially be involved in the causal pathways for both disorders.
METHODS
Subjects recruited from a military population were exposed to either a mild (n = 12) or aggressive (n = 16) motion sickness stimulus in a Neuro-Otologic Test Center. The independent variable of interest was the motion sickness stimulus exposure (before vs. after), though differences between mild and aggressive stimuli were also assessed. Dependent measures for the study included motion sickness exposure duration, biomechanical variables (postural stability, gait function, low back function, lumbar spine loading), and gene expression.
FINDINGS
Seven of twelve subjects experiencing the mild motion sickness stimulus endured the full 30 min in the NOTC, whereas subjects lasted an average of 13.2 (SD 5.0) minutes in the NOTC with the aggressive motion sickness stimulus. Mild motion sickness exposure led to a significant decrease in the postural stability measure of sway area, though the aggressive motion sickness exposure led to a statistically significant increase in sway area. Both stimuli led to decreases in low back function, though the decrease was only statistically significant for the mild protocol. Both stimuli also led to significant changes in gene expression.
INTERPRETATION
Motion sickness may alter standing balance, decrease low back function, and lead to changes in the expression of genes with roles in osteogenesis, myogenesis, development of brain lymphatics, inflammation, neuropathic pain, and more. These results may provide preliminary evidence for a link between motion sickness and low back disorders.
Topics: Gene Expression; Humans; Military Personnel; Motion Sickness; Postural Balance; Standing Position
PubMed: 35594783
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2022.105671 -
The Medical Clinics of North America Mar 2016"The traveler's medical kit is an essential tool for both the novice and expert traveler. It is designed to treat travel-related illness and injury and to ensure... (Review)
Review
"The traveler's medical kit is an essential tool for both the novice and expert traveler. It is designed to treat travel-related illness and injury and to ensure preexisting medical conditions are managed appropriately. Travelers are at increased risk for common gastrointestinal issues during travel. Respiratory illnesses make up approximately 8% of the ailments present in returned international travelers. Approximately 12% of travelers experience a travel-related skin condition. First aid treatment for minor injuries is essential to all travel medical kits. The complexity ranges from a small, simple case for the urban traveler to a larger, extensive case for wilderness travel."
Topics: Altitude Sickness; Antiemetics; Antimalarials; Drug Prescriptions; Female; First Aid; Gastrointestinal Agents; Health Records, Personal; Histamine Antagonists; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Insect Repellents; Malaria; Male; Motion Sickness; Ophthalmic Solutions; Respiratory Tract Infections; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Skin Diseases; Sunscreening Agents; Travel; Travel Medicine; Urinary Tract Infections; Women's Health
PubMed: 26900112
DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2015.09.007 -
Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance Nov 2019Rapid onset, noninjection methods are required to provide "as needed" therapy for motion sickness. Intranasal scopolamine (IN SCOP) is attractive because it can be fast... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Rapid onset, noninjection methods are required to provide "as needed" therapy for motion sickness. Intranasal scopolamine (IN SCOP) is attractive because it can be fast acting and work when gastric motility is slowed. Intranasal administration can provide a time to maximal concentration (T) of drugs (e.g., naloxone and midazolam) of 30 min or less. We evaluated the efficacy, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of IN SCOP in a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, dose-ranging study, and compared pharmacokinetic outcomes against other published results. There were 18 healthy adult volunteers (10 M, 8F) who received placebo, low dose (0.2 mg), and high dose (0.4 mg) IN SCOP intranasally using a pump device and a gel formulation. Participants rode in an off-vertical axis rotation (OVAR) chair 1.25 h after dose administration and completed neurocognitive tests to evaluate secondary drug impacts. Pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) were assessed in eight subjects. PK data were compared to results from previously published studies. Low and high dose IN SCOP increased chair time significantly compared to placebo. No significant sleepiness or cognitive impairment was seen, likely due to the small sample size. T was long for both dosages (High dose 75.0 ± 49.4 min, Low dose 61.9 ± 37.1 min), compared to other intranasally administered drugs and some previous studies with IN SCOP. Average T was not superior to previously published values for dose-matched (0.4-0.5 mg), orally-delivered SCOP. IN SCOP has potential as a rapid administration route for relieving MS symptoms, but more work is needed to identify optimal intranasal formulation and dispensing methods. Motion sickness, pharmacokinetics, scopolamine, intranasal administration.
Topics: Administration, Intranasal; Adult; Cholinergic Antagonists; Cognition; Cognitive Dysfunction; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Double-Blind Method; Female; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Male; Mental Status and Dementia Tests; Motion Sickness; Placebos; Scopolamine
PubMed: 31666152
DOI: 10.3357/AMHP.5456.2019 -
Research in Veterinary Science Jun 2015Motion sickness is a common response in humans and some species of farm livestock during transport, but research on the impact of motion has been primarily focused on... (Review)
Review
Motion sickness is a common response in humans and some species of farm livestock during transport, but research on the impact of motion has been primarily focused on the use of animal models for humans. During livestock transportation, animals seek to minimise uncontrolled movements to reduce energy consumption and maintain posture. Road and sea transport of livestock can produce motion sickness and stress responses. Clinical signs are the result of autonomous nervous system activation. Studies conducted on road transportation effects in domestic animals showed several motion sickness behaviours including vomiting and, in ruminants, a reduction in rumination. However, there is a lack of knowledge on the impact of sea transport motion. Despite the paucity of data on livestock, there is sufficient evidence to believe that motion might affect animal welfare when animals are transported by road or sea.
Topics: Animal Welfare; Animals; Livestock; Motion Sickness; Transportation
PubMed: 25847285
DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2015.03.018 -
Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance Apr 2020Airsickness is a clinical syndrome manifesting in a variety of symptoms, particularly nausea and vomiting during flight. Studies of habituation to motion sickness in...
Airsickness is a clinical syndrome manifesting in a variety of symptoms, particularly nausea and vomiting during flight. Studies of habituation to motion sickness in humans treated by scopolamine have produced conflicting results. The drug accelerated habituation, but a rebound effect on symptom severity was observed after its withdrawal. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether scopolamine affects the adaptation process. We also evaluated the relationship between initial symptom severity and adaptation to airsickness. Aviator cadets in the first two stages of their training were divided into two groups, treated and not treated by scopolamine. Airsickness severity was evaluated using both simulator sickness and motion sickness questionnaires, and drug administration was recorded. A statistically significant higher rate of adaptation was observed among the scopolamine-treated group compared with the nontreated group. On the simulator sickness questionnaire, rate of adaptation for the two groups was -0.21 ± 0.53 and -0.1 ± 0.17, respectively, and for the motion sickness questionnaire -2.34 ± 1.54 and -0.91 ± 1.41, respectively. Examination of a possible connection between initial symptom severity and adaptation rate failed to reveal a significant relationship. We recommend the use of oral scopolamine to accelerate habituation and find it a relatively safe short-term treatment for airsickness. Our results support the notion that scopolamine accelerates the natural adaptation process.
Topics: Adolescent; Aerospace Medicine; Cholinergic Antagonists; Female; Habituation, Psychophysiologic; Humans; Male; Military Personnel; Motion Sickness; Scopolamine; Young Adult
PubMed: 32493552
DOI: 10.3357/AMHP.5499.2020 -
Otology & Neurotology : Official... Sep 2020To determine the relationship between vestibular migraine (VM) and motion sickness (MoS) susceptibility and their comorbidity in a large student population, and to...
OBJECTIVES
To determine the relationship between vestibular migraine (VM) and motion sickness (MoS) susceptibility and their comorbidity in a large student population, and to assess whether experiencing MoS is associated with higher susceptibility for VM.
METHODS
Surveys including Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire (MSSQ) and questions assessing migraine-related symptoms as well as family history of motion sickness and migraine headache were distributed to the university undergraduate students through Facebook and email. Diagnosis of definite VM (dVM) was based on the criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders.
RESULTS
Of 277 survey responders, 148 (53%) were found to be susceptible to MoS in which 74 (50%) met the criteria for dVM. Only childhood MSSQ score was significantly higher in participants with dVM compared with those without dVM (25.78 ± 15.89 versus 20.77 ± 14.28, p = 0.04); however, its significance faded out by regression analysis. Multivariate logistic regression showed having 1st degree relative with migraine headache (p = 0.02), neck stiffness (p = 0.001), and sinus pain, facial pressure, or headache with wind exposure (p = 0.02) to be independently associated with presence of dVM in MoS subjects.
CONCLUSIONS
Though participants with MoS and dVM had significantly greater rates of migraine-related symptoms and family history of migraine headache compared with those with MoS only, childhood and adulthood MSSQ scores were similar. This and the high prevalence of dVM in our MoS cohort may suggest an existing association between MoS susceptibility and VM.
Topics: Adult; Child; Headache; Humans; Migraine Disorders; Motion Sickness; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vertigo
PubMed: 32501936
DOI: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000002705