Seasickness Simulator to Assess Anti-Motion Sickness Devices.

Abstract

Introduction: There are various motion sickness (MS) simulators in the laboratory, but the conditions under which they induce MS symptoms are different from real-life conditions. This study aimed to design a seasickness simulator, close to ecological conditions, easy to set up, at a modest cost, and capable of rapidly inducing MS symptoms, to evaluate the effect of anti-motion sickness devices. The hypothesis was that this simulator would induce MS, reflecting the susceptibility of subjects in real-life conditions, meaning the more susceptible individuals were to MS in real conditions, the more severe and rapid their symptoms would be in the simulator.

Methods: A total of 65 subjects with varying degrees of MS susceptibility (MS Susceptibility Questionnaire Short form) were exposed to a seasickness simulator for a maximum of 10 min. Measurements of subjective symptoms (Visual Analog Scale and time to onset of first symptoms) and physiological variables (heart rate and temperature) were taken.

Results: Subjects covered the full range of MS susceptibility (from 0-100%). The average time in the simulator before the first symptoms of MS was 7.41 min ± 2.56 min. The time to onset of the first symptoms, the intensity of the symptoms, and heart rate were significantly correlated with the degree of susceptibility of subjects in real-life conditions.

Discussion: The simulator induced varying intensity of MS depending on the subjects' susceptibility. It thus replicates real-life conditions and can serve as a useful tool for facilitating the research of devices, techniques, and medications to combat MS. de Thierry de Faletans C, Misericordia M, Vallier J-M, Duché P, Watelain E. Seasickness simulator to assess anti-motion sickness devices. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(3):212-218.