Motion Sickness Severity and Sensorimotor Performance

The Relationship of Balance, Proprioception, Coordination, and Reaction Time Measurements With Motion Sickness Severity in Individuals With Motion Sickness: A Cross-Sectional Study

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).

Study Overview

• Status: Not yet recruiting
• Conditions: Dizziness; Somatosensory Disorders; Motion Sickness
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Standardized Sensorimotor Assessment and Motion Sickness Provocation Protocol

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Estimated): 41

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consists of adult individuals aged between 18 and 40 years who exhibit susceptibility to motion sickness.

Description

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.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Motion Sickness Severity (Graybiel Score)	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.	1 hour
Static Balance	Evaluated objectively using the ProKin® computerized balance system. Participants stand on the platform under conditions: double-leg with eyes open.	1 hour
Dynamic Balance Performance	Evaluated using the ProKin® system.	1 hour

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Knee Joint Proprioception	Evaluated in supine and prone positions, targeting knee angles of 15°, 30°, 60°, and 90° using the Clinometer digital inclinometer smartphone application.	1 hour
Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT) Completion Time	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.	1 hour
Tandem Walk Test Error Count	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.	1 hour
Visual Reaction Time	Evaluated using the mobile application-based BlazePod.	1 hour

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Istinye University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Estimated): June 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): August 2, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): August 5, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: May 26, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 26, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): June 2, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): June 2, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 26, 2026
• Last Verified: May 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Neurologic Manifestations; Nervous System Diseases; Sensation Disorders; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Signs and Symptoms; Dizziness; Motion Sickness; Somatosensory Disorders
• Other Study ID Numbers: 25

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No