Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Function in Individuals With Chronic Motion Sensitivity Cross-Sectional Study

Loma Linda University (LLU)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Motion Sickness

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06128707

IRB# 5230167

Details and patient eligibility

About

Chronic motion sensitivity refers to a sensation of unwellness caused by physical or discerned motion and has a prevalence of 28% in the general population and it is more common in women (27.3%) compared to men.

The investigators theorize that individuals with chronic motion sensitivity will have an impaired inner ear reflex and will be less physically active. Hence, the purpose of this study is to;

1. Determine whether the function of an inner ear reflex is different between young adults with/without chronic motion sensitivity
2. Assess relationships between reflex function and balance in young adults with/without CMS
3. Assess relationships between physical activity and balance in young adults with/without CMS.

Full description

Chronic motion sensitivity (CMS), also known as motion sickness, refers to a sensation of unwellness caused by physical or discerned motion. CMS has a prevalence of 28% in the general population and it is more common in women (27.3%) compared to men.

Based on established evidence that individuals with chronic motion sensitivity demonstrate impaired postural stability with vestibular system impairment adjudged to be an inciting stimulus for chronic motion sensitivity, and individuals who practiced more physical and sporting activities have less motion sickness susceptibility than individuals who did not, the investigators theorize that individuals with chronic motion sensitivity will have an impaired inner ear reflex, causing them to be more reliant on other sensory systems like their muscles and joints, and their vision, we also theorize that individuals who are physically active will be less susceptible to chronic motion sensitivity.

The purpose of this study is to;

1. Determine whether the function of an inner ear reflex is different between young adults with/without chronic motion sensitivity
2. Assess relationships between reflex function and balance in young adults with/without CMS
3. Assess relationships between physical activity and balance in young adults with/without CMS.

Participants between the age of 20 and 40 with and without a self-reported history of chronic motion sensitivity (i.e, experiencing nauseousness and/or dizziness during while using various means of transportation such as, car, train, bus, boat, and airplane and/or, recreational fun-fair rides and/or when exposed to conflicting visual images). Participants will be excluded if they report a medical diagnosis of central nervous system disorder, impaired cervical spine range of motion, migraines, seizure disorder, vestibular dysfunction, or any musculoskeletal dysfunction that can limit their participation in the study.

Enrollment: 59 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 20 to 40 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age 20-40
• With and without a history of CMS

Exclusion criteria

• CNS disorder
• Impaired cervical spine ROM
• Migraines
• Seizures
• Vestibular dysfunction
• Musculoskeletal dysfunction
• Medications causing dizziness

Trial design

59 participants in 2 patient groups

Chronic Motion sensitivity group

Description:

Participants with a self-reported history of chronic motion sensitivity and who scored greater than or equal to the 30th percentile on the Motion sickness susceptibility questionnaire short form.

Non-Chronic Motion sensitivity Group

Description:

Participants without a self-reported history of chronic motion sensitivity and who scored less than or equal to the 25th percentile on the Motion sickness susceptibility questionnaire short form.