Perceptions and reflexes to illusionary acceleration produced by galvanic vestibular stimulation and their applications

Abstract

Galvanic vestibular stimulation through low current via percutaneous electrodes develops illusions in the sense of balance. This stimulation causes a conscious acceleration sensation, and at the same time, a variety of subconscious physical responses as reflexes. Due to this effect, it may be useful not only in improving a self-motion sensation during a virtual reality or game experience, but also, as an induction interface for subconscious walking or posture or research on motion sickness based on the sensory conflict. This article introduces the above-mentioned examples, as well as discusses about the phenomenon wherein the corresponding relationship between the subconscious physical responses and conscious sensory awareness affects the subjective interpretation of the perception of voluntary movement, and also discusses applications.