Assessment and Quantification of Virtual Reality Induced Sickness in Relation to Age and Gender: A Multi-Modal Approach

This research paper examines the prevalence and severity of Virtual Reality (VR) induced sickness across various genders and age groups. Utilizing a novel multimodal methodology, we integrated objective physiological data with subjective self-reporting to capture a comprehensive understanding of VR sickness in relation to age and gender. Our study recruited 54 participants from the general population, consisting of an equal number of men and women distributed among four age groups. We recorded heart rate variability (HRV) and Electrodermal Activity (EDA) before and after exposure to a standardized 3-minute VR clip. Additionally, participants completed a questionnaire to self-report symptoms of VR sickness. By analyzing both sets of data, our research reveals that both age and gender impact the likelihood of experiencing VR sickness, with older individuals and females generally experiencing higher levels of discomfort induced by VR.