[Simulator sickness as a valid issue of simulator-based research]

Abstract

Simulators are increasingly being used in both research and training as well as in medicine, e.g., therapy of patients with diagnosed post traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). The use of simulators with strict control of environmental conditions allows for workload assessment or procedures improvement. Despite all the advantages of the utilization of simulators, the simulator sickness issue remains still topical. Simulator sickness may interfere with the measurement accuracy or effectiveness of training or therapy, but it can also be a source of stress for those carrying out the assignments on simulators. This article discusses problems associated with simulator sickness, paying particular attention to the scope of this phenomenon, its explaining theories and measurement methods.