New Study Finds Music Can Help Alleviate Motion Sickness in VR
A ground-breaking study conducted by the University of Edinburgh and the Inria Centre at the University of Rennes has revealed a surprising solution to the problem of motion sickness in virtual reality (VR) experiences: music. Despite sounding like an unconventional approach, the results of the study indicate that playing joyful or calming music alongside a VR experience can significantly reduce the debilitating effects that often accompany the use of VR headsets.
Motion sickness, including symptoms such as migraines, nausea, and anxiety, has become a widespread issue among VR users. This discomfort is caused by a conflict between the eyes and the inner ear, where the eyes perceive motion while the ears do not, leading to disorientation and unpleasant side effects. With 10 million VR headsets sold globally last year, addressing this problem is crucial for the growth of the industry.
To test the efficacy of music in alleviating motion sickness, researchers enlisted participants to take virtual roller coaster rides accompanied by different tracks categorized as “joyful” or “calming.” The results showed that both types of music significantly reduced the intensity of nausea-related symptoms, with the “joyful” track, Chic’s instrumental version of Good Times, being the most effective.
Interestingly, the study also found that men tended to experience less cybersickness than women, primarily due to their greater gaming experience. However, when comparing individuals with equal gaming experience, both men and women experienced similar levels of cybersickness.
As technological advancements to combat motion sickness in VR are yet to be developed, incorporating music that evokes joy may serve as a cost-effective interim solution. This finding not only provides hope for individuals who previously experienced discomfort while using VR headsets but also benefits industries such as education, manufacturing, and healthcare that rely on VR technology to drive innovation and growth.
Additional facts:
1. The study conducted by the University of Edinburgh and the Inria Centre at the University of Rennes involved 67 participants who were exposed to virtual roller coaster rides.
2. The participants were divided into three groups: one group listened to a joyful music track, another group listened to a calming music track, and a control group did not listen to any music.
3. The study found that both the joyful and calming music tracks significantly reduced the intensity of nausea-related symptoms compared to the control group.
4. The researchers speculate that music helps alleviate motion sickness by providing a cognitive distraction and enhancing the overall immersive experience.
5. This study adds to previous research that suggests audiovisual stimuli, such as music, can influence the perception of motion and reduce motion sickness symptoms in various contexts.
Important questions and answers:
1. What is motion sickness in virtual reality?
Motion sickness in virtual reality refers to the discomfort and nausea experienced by users when their visual perception of motion does not match the motion perceived by their inner ear. This mismatch can cause feelings of dizziness, headache, and nausea.
2. How does music alleviate motion sickness in VR?
The study suggests that playing joyful or calming music alongside a VR experience provides a cognitive distraction and enhances the overall immersive experience, reducing the intensity of motion sickness symptoms.
Key challenges or controversies:
1. Individual variations: Not all individuals may respond similarly to music as a remedy for motion sickness in VR. Factors such as personal preferences, previous experiences, and sensitivities may influence the effectiveness of music in alleviating symptoms.
2. Music selection: The study highlighted that the instrumental version of Chic’s Good Times was the most effective track in reducing motion sickness symptoms. Further research is needed to explore the specific characteristics of music that have the greatest impact on alleviating symptoms.
3. Long-term effectiveness: The study focused on short-term alleviation of symptoms during virtual roller coaster rides. The long-term effectiveness of music in reducing motion sickness during prolonged VR use or in different VR experiences needs to be further investigated.
Advantages:
1. Cost-effective: Incorporating music as a solution for motion sickness in VR is a relatively low-cost approach compared to developing new technological advancements.
2. Widely accessible: Music is easily accessible and can be implemented across various VR experiences and platforms without requiring specific hardware or software modifications.
Disadvantages:
1. Individual variability: Different individuals may respond differently to music, and what works for some may not work for others in alleviating motion sickness symptoms.
2. Limited effectiveness: While music may reduce the intensity of motion sickness symptoms, it may not completely eliminate them for some individuals. Additional strategies may be necessary for those with severe motion sickness.
Related Links:
University of Edinburgh
Inria Centre
The source of the article is from the blog rugbynews.at