Researchers at the University of South Australia (UniSA) warn that the side effects of virtual reality exercises can last for around an hour.
Ancret Szpak, Stefan Carlo Michalski and Tobias Loetscher tested the effect of the popular VR exergy game Beat Saber on players and found that one in seven players still reported VR sickness (similar to motion sickness) 40 minutes after the game ended.
The study tested the effects of VR exergaming on eyesight, nausea and reaction times. While Beat Saber was mostly well tolerated, some people experienced longer-lasting side effects.
While the study “found no strong evidence of worrying symptoms 40 minutes after VR exposure, regardless of whether beat saber was played for 10 or 50 minutes,” the team warned that subjects were young and healthy with a below-average history motion sickness. Other groups could be more affected.
However, 14% of participants reported high levels of “simulator sickness” 40 minutes after playing Beat Saber for 50 minutes.
Changes in the subjects’ visual accommodation and convergence were noted, but returned to normal within 40 minutes. The results of cognitive tests (e.g. decision-making speed) “showed no concern”.
Lead researcher Ancret Szpak said VR offers promising benefits for exergaming. There is still a lot to learn about VR technology.
“There’s no doubt that VR offers unparalleled benefits for a number of uses, but it’s important to be careful about how new technologies can affect you both during and after the game.
“VR is particularly promising for exergaming because it immerses gamers in the virtual world while at the same time distracting them from feelings of physical strain. This enables people who are not particularly enthusiastic about sports to continue their game and move around.
Szpak recommends that people try a short VR session to make sure they can tolerate this: “If you get a little dizzy after a short period of time, you are likely to feel worse after prolonged exposure.
Second, after playing a VR game – exergaming or otherwise – it is always wise to wait and see how you are feeling before engaging in higher risk activities such as driving a car.
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