Pseudo-walking Sensation by Anteroposterior or Lateral Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation and Synchronous Foot-sole Vibrations

The walking sensation is a result of the synthesis of multisensory inputs from various systems. The vestibular system, typically used for detecting acceleration, is a crucial component of the walking sensation. This study investigated the use of galvanic vestibular stimulation(GVS) to enhance the sensation of walking in virtual reality (VR) environments, particularly when users are seated and not engaged in active movements. GVS is a transcutaneous electric stimulation technique to evoke vestibular sensory responses and involves the application of a penetrating current to vestibular afferents. This study revealed that the pseudo-walking sensation can be intensified by applying lateral GVS. However, no difference was observed when it was synchronized with the walking rhythm represented by foot-sole vibration patterns. Furthermore, the study compares the effectiveness of lateral versus anterior-posterior GVS in enhancing walking sensations in VR. The findings provide novel perspectives on enhancing the VR walking experience through vestibular stimulation, even in scenarios in which the user is seated.