20 | Examining how sex and age influence the relationship between field dependence and visually-induced motion sickness (VIMS)

Andrievskaia P^1,2, Keshavarz B^1,2, Berti S^1,2 | ¹KITE Research Institute, TRI–University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; ²Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany

Visually-induced motion sickness (VIMS) is a common phenomenon triggered by the use of visual displays, characterized by symptoms like nausea, eye strain, and dizziness. While the influence of individual-difference factors like age and sex have been well-researched, less attention has been given to the relationship between field dependence and VIMS. Field dependence is considered a cognitive style that refers to the tendency to rely more on external than internal sensory information for spatial orientation, which may have a potential impact on VIMS. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between these individual-difference factors and VIMS, we combined data from four independent studies that measured VIMS (using the Fast Motion Sickness scale and the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire) and field dependence (via Computerized Rod-and-Frame task). The pooled sample size comprised 237 younger adults (137F, age range = 18-46) and 99 older adults (56F, age range = 62-82).Overall, younger adults reported greater VIMS compared to older adults, with female participants experiencing more oculomotor discomfort and dizziness than males. Older adults reported significantly higher field dependence scores, suggesting that they were more visually dependent than younger adults. Disaggregated analyses by age and sex found no significant relationships between field dependence and VIMS (rs = 0.1-0.2), suggesting that field dependence is not a key factor in the development of VIMS. Our finding that older adults are less likely to experience VIMS contrasts with previous reports and is encouraging, given the potential of virtual reality and related devices to be used for rehabilitation in older populations.