Effects of duration of immersion in a virtual environment on postural stability

A few studies have been carried out to examine the relationship between postural stability and subjective reports (feelings) of motion sickness. Two views seem to exist on the relationship between immersion in a VR environment and subjective feeling of motion sickness. One predicts that the immersion induces both postural instability and motion sickness. Another view is that pre-immersion postural instability predispose us to motion sickness. However, these view are not successfully supported by empirical researches. Longer immersions in a VR environment may induce higher levels of postural instability and symptoms of motion sickness. In this study, effects of long-hours immersion in a virtual environment on postural stability were examined using a force platform measurement and conducting self-reported questionnaire on motion sickness.