From October 19 to October 24, 2023, EmeTerm conducted an anti-motion sickness experiment. Using on-road testing, the experiment compared the relief effects of EmeTerm Anti-nausea Wristband and the Sense Relief software on Apple's Apple Watch for motion sickness. The experiment involved 60 participants, who rated their own motion sickness on a 7-level Motion Induced Sickness Score (MISC) scale. The experiment also recorded the driving conditions and the participants' states. Conclusion: There was a significant difference in the relief of motion sickness between the EmeTerm Anti-nausea Wristband and the Apple Watch with Sense Relief software. 93.3% of participants reported that the EmeTerm Anti-nausea Wristband was effective in relieving motion sickness.
Keywords: EmeTerm Anti-nausea Wristband; motion sickness; Motion Induced Sickness Score (MISC)
I. Method:
1. Sixty participants, aged 20 to 45, were selected in 10-year age intervals, with equal numbers of men and women. They were divided into two groups for testing. Group One wore the A wristband (EmeTerm Anti-nausea Wristband) and the C wristband (ordinary sports wristband) for a road test. Group Two wore the B wristband (Apple Watch with Sense Relief software) and the C wristband (ordinary sports wristband) for a road test.
2. Self-evaluation of participants' physical condition before and after the road test was statistically analyzed.
3. During the road test, participants wearing test or comparative devices were instructed to focus their attention and gaze on the iPad screenthroughout the test. The staff recorded the participants' MISC scores based on changes in vehicle driving conditions and recorded the driving conditions and seating positions of the participants.
4. After the road test, participants recordedthe test devices' effectiveness in relieving their motion sickness.
II. Experiment Results
Data from the experiment were organized and analyzed from various aspects such as user experience and effectiveness evaluation.
1. User Experience
(1) The average and peak values of motion sickness indices during the entire test period (1.16 VS 1.55; 2.13 VS 2.53) indicated that the motion sickness index for participants wearing the EmeTerm Anti-nausea Wristband was significantly lower than that for participants wearing ordinary wristbands, showing a more significant effect in relieving motion sickness symptoms.
(2) The average motion sickness index on sections two to five when wearing the EmeTerm Anti-nausea Wristband was significantly lower than when wearing ordinary wristbands, indicating a more significant effect in relieving motion sickness symptoms. The difference in motion sickness index data increased gradually, indicating an increasing effect in relieving motion sickness symptoms.
(3) The motion sickness index was more significantly reduced when the vehicle was turning.
(4) Overall, there was no significant difference in motion sickness indices between Apple Watch with Sense Relief software and ordinary wristbands, indicating no significant effect in relieving motion sickness symptoms.
2. Effectiveness Evaluation
(1) 93.3% of participants reportedthat the EmeTerm Anti-nausea Wristband was effective in relieving motion sickness.
(2) With increasing test duration, the EmeTerm Anti-nausea Wristband showed a continuous enhancement in relieving motion sickness.
(3) Apple Watch with Sense Relief software showed no significant effect in relieving motion sickness symptoms.
III. Discussion
Motion sickness may initially seem like a minor issue, but it can cause considerable debilitations in daily activities. When motion sickness strikes, it not only makes people physically uncomfortable but also disrupts their travel plans, affecting the rhythm of daily life. Over time, it can lead to fear and anxiety about traveling, reduced productivity, and poorer quality of life.
This experiment found a significant difference in relieving motion sickness with the EmeTerm Anti-nausea Wristband compared to the placebo bands, which gradually increased over time. In contrast, the use of Apple Watch with Sense Relief software did not show a statistically significant difference in relieving participants' motion sickness symptoms.
Overall, the experiment has achieved its initial goals to evaluate the effectiveness of the anti-motion sickness devices, but there were some variables not fully considered in the experimental design. For example, due to limitations in venue conditions and consideration of participants' actual experiences, the experiment did not set too many scenarios with the car undergoing bumpy terrains, sharp turns, or sudden accelerations, which would have undoubtedly provided a more comprehensiveness experimental design. Future studies can further expand experimental parameters such that more data can be analyzed, perhaps by incorporating anti-motion sickness medications.