Analyzing the Physiological Effects of Cybersickness Onset by Virtual Reality Headsets

This paper aims to investigate cybersickness (CS) in prolonged exposure to VR simulations, a condition that affects individuals who engage in long-term VR experiences. Cybersickness symptoms encompass oculomotor strain, nausea, disorientation, and severe headaches, typically dissipating within a few hours after discontinuing VR use. However, the implications become more profound as companies like META and NASA explore the integration of VR technology in diverse settings, including classrooms of all ages, astronaut training programs, firefighting education, and emergency medicine. Notably, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is currently implementing VR-operated systems for mine search and rescue training, underscoring the critical importance of comprehending and mitigating cybersickness to maximize the success of rescue operations. Thus, this paper reviews existing research on cybersickness and investigates the application of using an omnidirectional treadmill and a maze simulation to study sensory conflict theories. Participants' vital signs and self-reported symptoms were measured while the impact of physical movement alignment with VR visuals was determined. Our findings highlight the importance of addressing cybersickness in the context of expanding VR applications.