Coriolis Time Intervals in prediction of outcome of Motion Sickness Desensitization Therapy

Introduction: Motion sickness is a common problem faced during flying training. Aircrew with persistent motion sickness require motion sickness desensitization. Although many aircrew benefit from the motion sickness desensitization therapy (MSDT), a significant number of individuals fail to complete the desensitization program. Early prediction of desensitization program outcome would identify non-responders and help in increasing the efficiency of MSDT. Material and Methods: A retrospective survey of candidates who underwent MSDT at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine between 2009 and 2019 was done. Coriolis time interval (CTI) values of 28 candidates could be retrieved. Mean CTI values of the successful and unsuccessful candidates at 5 rotations per minute (RPM) were compared. Statistical analysis was done using independent t-test, binary logistic regression, and a receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analysis. Results: The unsuccessful group candidates (M = 14.3, SD = 8.7 s) had significantly higher mean CTI values at 5 RPM than the successful group candidates (M = 6, SD =2.3 s); t (15.09) = −3.43, P = 0.04. Logistic regression indicated that there was a significant association between the CTI values and MSDT outcome, Chi-square (1, n = 26) =12.73, P ≤ 0.001. ROC analysis revealed a statistically significant curve with a good predictive cutoff value for CTI to identify non-responders. Conclusion: Results indicated that CTI values are reliable indicators in predicting the outcome of MSDT. Inclusion of other parameters, both physiological and psychological, that have a good correlation with motion sickness may give us better predictive models. Such predictors will also help in better understanding of the pathophysiology of motion sickness and in formulating improved treatment modalities.