Dizziness, Motion Sickness, Somatosensory Disorders
Conditions
Brief summary
Background: Motion sickness (MS) is a common syndrome characterized by autonomic and behavioral symptoms, such as nausea and dizziness, resulting from exposure to motion stimuli. Its pathophysiology is closely linked to sensory conflict and postural instability theories. While previous studies suggest that postural control, proprioception, and reaction times are affected in individuals susceptible to MS, there is a lack of comprehensive, comparative research evaluating all these parameters concurrently within the same cohort using standardized methods. Objective: This study aims to systematically measure balance, proprioceptive sensitivity, coordination, and reaction time parameters, and quantitatively analyze their relationship with motion sickness severity. Methodology: In this prospective, cross-sectional study, at least 41 participants aged 18-40 with motion sickness will be recruited. Participants will undergo motion sickness susceptibility and severity grading using the Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire Short Form (MSSQ-SF) and the Graybiel Scale. Objective assessments will include static and dynamic balance testing (ProKin®), knee joint position sense (Clinometer app), manual dexterity and dynamic balance coordination (Nine-Hole Peg Test, Tandem Walk, Romberg Test), and upper/lower extremity reaction time measurements (BlazePod system).
Interventions
OTHERStandardized Sensorimotor Assessment and Motion Sickness Provocation Protocol
Participants will undergo a standardized battery of sensorimotor assessments, including static/dynamic balance tracking, knee joint position sense testing, manual dexterity/coordination tasks, and upper/lower extremity reaction time measurements, alongside a controlled motion sickness provocation session using a randomized chair-rotation protocol."
Sponsors
Istinye University
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Individuals aged between 18 and 40 years. * Diagnosed with motion sickness according to the Motion Sickness -Susceptibility Questionnaire Short Form (MSSQ-SF). * Normal hearing acuity. * No history of acute or chronic vestibular disease, other than motion sickness. * Normal or corrected-to-normal vision. * Adequate physical capability to fully perform the measurement protocols, including balance, proprioception, coordination, and reaction time tests.
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of any physical or orthopedic problem that could interfere with testing. * History of acute or chronic instability, unsteadiness, or vertigo. * Severe visual impairment. * History of prior ear surgery. * Presence of any neurological condition or disorder. * History of migraines. * Current use of medications that could affect balance or vestibular function (e.g., vestibular suppressants, sedatives). * Use of alcohol or psychoactive substances within the last 48 hours prior to testing.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Motion Sickness Severity (Graybiel Score) | 1 hour | Used to grade the clinical severity of acute motion sickness symptoms (including nausea, cold sweating, increased salivation, and dizziness) following a randomized chair-rotation provocation protocol. 0 (Minimum) to 50 points (Maximum). Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity, representing a worse clinical outcome (scores of 16 or above designate frank sickness). |
| Static Balance | 1 hour | Evaluated objectively using the ProKin® computerized balance system. Participants stand on the platform under conditions: double-leg with eyes open. |
| Dynamic Balance Performance | 1 hour | Evaluated using the ProKin® system. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Knee Joint Proprioception | 1 hour | Evaluated in supine and prone positions, targeting knee angles of 15°, 30°, 60°, and 90° using the Clinometer digital inclinometer smartphone application. |
| Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT) Completion Time | 1 hour | Used to assess upper extremity dexterity and fine motor coordination. Participants place nine pegs into the holes one by one and then remove them as quickly as possible. |
| Tandem Walk Test Error Count | 1 hour | Participants walk barefoot along a straight line for 10 steps, placing the heel of one foot directly against the toe of the other foot with arms relaxed at their sides. |
| Visual Reaction Time | 1 hour | Evaluated using the mobile application-based BlazePod. |
Outcome results
None listed