In this blog post, we will explore what exactly motion sickness is, how it occurs, and what treatment options are available. We will explain the role of Virtual Reality in this issue and how advanced VR therapy systems like CUREO help prevent motion sickness.
Motion sickness, also known as "travel sickness" or "kinetosis," is an uncomfortable physical reaction that occurs when the brain receives conflicting sensory inputs. This happens when the eyes perceive movements that are not confirmed by the balance organ in the inner ear, or vice versa. A typical example is the nausea many people experience while traveling by car, plane, or boat.
In recent years, this problem has extended to the realm of Virtual Reality (VR). Particularly in VR games, where the focus is often on providing an immersive experience rather than considering physiological factors, many users report experiencing motion sickness. This condition is also referred to as cyber-sickness or gaming sickness.
However, CUREO, the VR therapy system from CUREosity, was designed from the outset to effectively prevent motion sickness, ensuring that patients feel comfortable during therapy sessions.
Motion sickness primarily arises due to sensory discrepancies – that is, when the information the brain receives from the eyes, the balance organ in the inner ear, and the mechanical receptors in the joints doesn’t match up. This mismatch prevents the brain from processing the situation correctly, leading to typical symptoms such as dizziness and nausea.
In traditional VR applications, motion sickness often occurs due to latency issues. This means there is a delay between the user’s movements and their representation in the virtual world. The greater the delay, the more likely it is that the user will experience symptoms of motion sickness.
The symptoms of motion sickness can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include:
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
In most cases, simple measures like focusing on a fixed point in the room or drinking water can help alleviate discomfort. If you feel unwell while using VR programs, it is advisable to remove the headset and take a short break.
However, CUREO ensures that these symptoms are largely avoided, allowing the focus to remain on the therapy, not potential side effects.
CUREO was developed through a multi-year, iterative process in collaboration with doctors, scientists, and therapists. Special emphasis was placed on ensuring that the physiological compatibility of the system is the main focus. CUREO is more than just a VR game – it is a specially designed therapy system that combines Virtual Reality and gamification to make therapy effective and enjoyable without causing unpleasant side effects like motion sickness.
Here are some key features that set CUREO apart from traditional VR games and other applications:
• Low Latency: The patient’s movements are transmitted to the virtual world in near real-time. This minimal delay ensures that the visual experience directly matches the user's real movements, preventing any discrepancies between sensory inputs.
• Personalized Calibration: At the beginning of each session, the user undergoes a calibration process. This ensures that the virtual environment aligns perfectly with the real world – for instance, ensuring that floor height is correctly displayed and furniture such as tables are positioned accurately in the VR world.
• Soothing, Relaxing Scenarios: In a special relaxation module, patients can gradually acclimate to virtual reality. In this environment, they can explore calmly and gain initial experiences before proceeding with the therapy.
• User-Friendliness: The system is designed so that the user always has the option to pause the therapy or remove the headset if any discomfort arises. This ensures that control remains in the hands of the patient at all times.
The information presented in this article is based on current scientific research and experiences from the application of the CUREO system within physician-prescribed rehabilitation programs. Individual therapy, its success, and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed. This article does not replace personal advice from medical and therapeutic professionals.
