Dual opposing-phase galvanic vestibular stimulation modifies perception of coriolis cross-coupling and delays motion sickness onset

• Published in: Acta astronautica Vol. 222; pp. 647 - 654
• Main Authors: Pradhan, Gaurav N., Cevette, Michael J., Bogle, Jamie M., Stepanek, Jan, Wood, Scott J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2024
• Subjects: Coriolis cross-coupling; Functional performance; Galvanic vestibular stimulation; Motion perception; Motion sickness; Motion sickness; Coriolis cross-coupling; Galvanic vestibular stimulation; Motion perception; Functional performance
• ISSN: 0094-5765; 1879-2030
• DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.06.035

Alterations in vestibular sensory processing following G-transitions lead to head movement sensitivity and motion sickness upon return to Earth's gravity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a non-pharmaceutical tool using dual, opposing-phase galvanic vestibular stimulation (oGVS) could suppress disorienting illusions and mitigate motion sickness. Using a repeated measures counter-balanced design, motion sickness and perception were obtained in 27 subjects during Coriolis cross-coupling stimuli on a rotating chair across three oGVS interventions: throughout stimulus testing (prevention), following symptom onset (rescue), and without stimulation (control). The oGVS peak current was ±2.25 mA during prevention and rescue sessions. During pitch head movements, subjects were asked to use a joystick to record the magnitude of their perceived rotation along three axes. The motion sickness symptom scoring was obtained using the Pensacola Diagnostic Index and Subjective Discomfort Rating. Performance on a sensorimotor and cognitive test battery was measured during an initial session to map changes in oGVS level with functional performance. The symptom onset was delayed during the Prevention session. Initiating oGVS following symptom onset did not appear to alter the symptom progression. Based on the joystick measures, oGVS reduced the perceived roll and pitch sensation during head movements. The comparable levels of oGVS did not impair performance on the functional test battery including mobility, balance and oculometric tasks. Our findings suggest oGVS may be useful in reducing disorienting roll and pitch illusions and delaying the onset of motion sickness. •Dual opposing-phase galvanic vestibular stimulation delays the onset of motion sickness.•Dual opposing-phase galvanic vestibular stimulation suppresses vestibular sensitivity by modifying disorienting illusions.•Dual opposing-phase galvanic vestibular stimulation does not affect functional fitness tasks and cognitive performance.