Virtual reality (VR) has transformed health research and care, offering innovative applications in rehabilitation, pain management, and surgical training. However, many users experience cybersickness—a form of motion sickness—that remains a significant barrier to its widespread adoption. A new study from the KITE Research Institute suggests that incorporating avatars in VR simulations may reduce cybersickness and improve user comfort.
Cybersickness can arise from sensory conflicts, such as seeing motion in a virtual environment while the body remains stationary. Enhancing the sense of presence, or the feeling of being immersed in the virtual environment, may help reduce this sensory conflict.
Researchers evaluated whether using an avatar, a virtual representation of the user, could enhance the sense of presence and alleviate cybersickness. Study participants underwent a 15-minute VR simulation either with or without an avatar.
The findings revealed that participants using an avatar reported a more immersive experience and significantly lower levels of cybersickness. By enhancing user comfort and immersion, avatars have the potential to broaden the use of VR across various health care applications, making this transformative technology more accessible.
Dr. Behrang Keshavarz is the senior author of the study and a Senior Scientist at the KITE Research Institute. Dr. Keshavarz is also an Adjunct Professor at the Toronto Metropolitan University.
This work was supported by UHN Foundation and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
Makani A, Saryazdi R, Givetash S, Keshavarz B. The presence of an avatar can reduce cybersickness in Virtual Reality. Virtual Real. 2024 Oct 30. doi: 10.1007/s10055-024-01057-1
Student from Dr. Keshavarz’s lab using the virtual reality system (Image source: Tim Fraser, KITE Studios)