Vection in Individuals with and without Concussion: Associations with Postural Responses and Visual Dependence

Background We investigated whether everyday situations that trigger post-concussion symptoms (i.e., dynamic visual scenes), induce vection (illusory self-motion) and/or affect postural stability. Materials & Methods Concussed and control participants were moved through a virtual grocery store, and rated their vection intensity. Postural sway during visual motion was measured. Baseline tests assessed concussion symptoms and sensory functioning, including visual dependence. Results Vection ratings were higher in concussed individuals than controls, and were predicted by faster visual speeds. Vection and visual speed also predicted postural sway in the concussion group. Visual dependence was positively associated with vection intensity and all postural measures. Conclusion These findings provide valuable insights for the development of future symptom-screening tools and rehabilitation strategies.