CybersicknessGAZE-CSNCT07616596
Gaze Stabilization vs Oculomotor Exercises on Cybersickness in Computer Users
A study testing Gaze Stabilization Exercises and Oculomotor Exercises in people with Cybersickness and Motion Sickness, run by University of Faisalabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Many people who use computers for long hours experience "cybersickness" (dizziness, nausea, blurred vision) because their eyes see movement on the screen but their body feels still. This study aims to see which type of eye and head exercises works best to fix this. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Cybersickness, Motion Sickness, Vestibular Diseases
- What is being tested?
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises and Oculomotor Exercises
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 46 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Jan 2026to 22 Jun 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 45 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Screen time > 6 hours per day
- Computer usage history of at least 10 years
- Complaints of vertigo, blurred vision, and nausea during computer usage
- Positive Romberg's test
- Abnormal VOR (4-6 lines lost on LogMAR scale)
- SSQ score between 20 and 40
Who cannot join
- Diagnosed vestibular disorders (e.g., BPPV, Meniere's)
- History of falls in the past 6 months
- Pregnancy
- Any neurological or neurodegenerative disease
- Use of walking aids
- Severe visual impairments (worse than 6/12 on Snellen)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
The University of Faisalabad
Faisalābad, Punjab Province, 3800
About this study
Official title: Effectiveness of Gaze Stabilization Exercises Versus Oculomotor Exercises on Cybersickness in Computer Users: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Many people who use computers for long hours experience "cybersickness" (dizziness, nausea, blurred vision) because their eyes see movement on the screen but their body feels still. This study aims to see which type of eye and head exercises works best to fix this. We will compare Gaze Stabilization Exercises (head movements) against Oculomotor Exercises (eye movements). Forty-six computer users will perform these exercises for 4 weeks. We will measure their dizziness, vision, and quality of life before, during, and after the treatment.
Read the detailed description
This is a single-blinded, randomized clinical trial. Participants (n=46) will be recruited from The University of Faisalabad. Inclusion criteria include screen time >6 hours/day, computer usage for at least 10 years, and a Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) score between 20 and 40.
Group A (Intervention): Gaze Stabilization Exercises. Week 1: View X1 exercises. Week 2: View X2 exercises. Week 3: Gaze shift exercises. Week 4: Imaginary Target exercises. (3 sessions/week, 1 minute per exercise, 3 times each).
Group B (Active Comparator): Oculomotor Exercises. Week 1: Range exercises. Week 2: Saccadic exercises. Week 3: Pursuit exercises. Week 4: Vergence exercises. (3 sessions/week, 1 minute per exercise, 3 times each).
Outcomes: The primary outcome is the change in Dynamic Visual Acuity (LogMAR scale) and Cybersickness (SSQ score). The secondary outcome is Quality of Life (SF-36 questionnaire). Measurements will be taken at baseline, Week 2, and Week 4. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 20.
- Conditions
- Cybersickness, Motion Sickness, Vestibular Diseases
- Being tested
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises, Oculomotor Exercises
- Keywords
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises, Oculomotor Exercises, Computer Users, Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex, Dynamic Visual Acuity, Physical Therapy
- Medical subject headings
- Motion Sickness, Vestibular Diseases
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Gaze Stabilization ExercisesBehavioural
Week 1 - View X1: Patient sits upright. Target held at eye level 1 meter away. Patient turns head horizontally (left/right) or vertically (up/down) while keeping eyes fixed on target. Speed: slow (1Hz). Duration: 1 minute. Repetitions: 3 times per direction. Week 2 - View X2: Same as View X1 but head movement speed increased to 2Hz. Week 3 - Gaze Shift: Two targets placed 30 cm apart horizontally or vertically. Patient rotates head to face Target 1, then shifts gaze to Target 2 while continuing head rotation toward Target 2. Duration: 1 minute. Repetitions: 3 times. Week 4 - Imaginary Target: Patient fixates on a target (e.g., a sticker on wall). Closes eyes. Rotates head 30-45 degrees away from target. While eyes closed, patient imagines still looking at target. Opens eyes and checks if fixation is accurate. Duration: 1 minute. Repetitions: 3 times per direction. All exercises are performed under supervision for the first 3 sessions, then home-based with weekly follow-up calls.
Oculomotor ExercisesBehavioural
Week 1 - Range Oculomotor Exercises: Eyes closed. Patient moves eyes slowly in horizontal (left-right), vertical (up-down), diagonal (top-left to bottom-right), and rotational (clockwise/counterclockwise) directions. Duration: 1 minute per direction. Repetitions: 3 times. Week 2 - Saccadic Exercises: Two stationary targets (e.g., two fingers) held 30 cm apart at eye level. Patient rapidly shifts gaze between targets without moving head. Duration: 1 minute. Repetitions: 3 times. Week 3 - Pursuit Exercises: A single target (e.g., pen) is moved slowly horizontally and vertically. Patient follows target smoothly with eyes only (head still). Speed: approx 20 degrees/second. Duration: 1 minute per direction. Repetitions: 3 times. Week 4 - Vergence Exercises: Target (e.g., pen) starts at 50 cm from patient's nose. Patient focuses on target as it is slowly moved toward nose to 5 cm (convergence), then back to 50 cm (divergence). Duration: 1 minute. Repetitions: 3 times under supervision.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Gaze Stabilization Exercises | Experimental | Participants in this arm will receive Gaze Stabilization Exercises (GSE) for 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week. The protocol includes View X1, View X2, Gaze Shift, and Imaginary Target exercises. Each exercise is performed for 1 minute, repeated 3 times per session. Exercises target the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) by coordinating head and eye movements to reduce sensory conflict. Receives: Behavioral: Gaze Stabilization Exercises |
| Oculomotor Exercises Group | Active comparator | Participants in this arm will receive Oculomotor Exercises for 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week. The protocol includes Range, Saccadic, Pursuit, and Vergence exercises. Each exercise is performed for 1 minute, repeated 3 times per session. Exercises target isolated eye movements without head motion to improve oculomotor control and reduce visual strain. Receives: Behavioral: Oculomotor Exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR) Function
Measured by Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA) test using a LogMAR chart. Patient reads smallest line possible while head is stationary (static VA). Then patient rotates head horizontally at 2Hz while reading. Number of lines lost between static and dynamic conditions is recorded. Normal VOR: 1-2 lines lost. Abnormal: 4-6 lines lost. Higher lines lost = worse VOR function.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0), Week 2, Week 4
Change in Cybersickness Severity
Measured by the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ). Contains 16 symptoms rated 0-3 (0=not at all, 3=severe). Total score range 0-48. Subscales: Nausea (symptoms 1,2,6,7,8,9,14,15), Oculomotor (3,4,5,10,11,12,13), and Disorientation (5,10,11,12,13,14,15). Higher score = worse cybersickness.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0), Week 2, Week 4
Secondary outcomes (1)
Change in Quality of Life
Measured by the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey. Contains 36 items measuring 8 domains: Physical Functioning, Role Physical, Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, Social Functioning, Role Emotional, Mental Health. Scores transformed to 0-100 scale per domain. Higher score = better quality of life.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0), Week 4
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted1 Jun 2026
- Study start1 Jan 2026
- Primary completion10 May 2026
- Study completion22 Jun 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for CybersicknessStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 46 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Faisalabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Dr. Marium Zafar, University of Faisalabad
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07616596
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- TUF/EIRB/ 211 /26
- Acronym
- GAZE-CS
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 23 May 2026
- Last updated
- 10 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effectiveness of Gaze Stabilization Exercises Versus Oculomotor Exercises on Cybersickness in Computer Users: A Randomized Clinical Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07616596
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- GAZE-CS / TUF/EIRB/ 211 /26
- Conditions
- Cybersickness, Motion Sickness, Vestibular Diseases
- Keywords
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises, Oculomotor Exercises, Computer Users, Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex, Dynamic Visual Acuity, Physical Therapy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 46 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of FaisalabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 May 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 22 Jun 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 1 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Many people who use computers for long hours experience "cybersickness" (dizziness, nausea, blurred vision) because their eyes see movement on the screen but their body feels still. This study aims to see which type of eye and head exercises works best to fix this. We will compare Gaze Stabilization Exercises (head movements) against Oculomotor Exercises (eye movements). Forty-six computer users will perform these exercises for 4 weeks. We will measure their dizziness, vision, and quality of life before, during, and after the treatment.
Detailed description
This is a single-blinded, randomized clinical trial. Participants (n=46) will be recruited from The University of Faisalabad. Inclusion criteria include screen time >6 hours/day, computer usage for at least 10 years, and a Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) score between 20 and 40.
Group A (Intervention): Gaze Stabilization Exercises. Week 1: View X1 exercises. Week 2: View X2 exercises. Week 3: Gaze shift exercises. Week 4: Imaginary Target exercises. (3 sessions/week, 1 minute per exercise, 3 times each).
Group B (Active Comparator): Oculomotor Exercises. Week 1: Range exercises. Week 2: Saccadic exercises. Week 3: Pursuit exercises. Week 4: Vergence exercises. (3 sessions/week, 1 minute per exercise, 3 times each).
Outcomes: The primary outcome is the change in Dynamic Visual Acuity (LogMAR scale) and Cybersickness (SSQ score). The secondary outcome is Quality of Life (SF-36 questionnaire). Measurements will be taken at baseline, Week 2, and Week 4. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Gaze Stabilization Exercises | Experimental | Behavioral: Gaze Stabilization ExercisesParticipants in this arm will receive Gaze Stabilization Exercises (GSE) for 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week. The protocol includes View X1, View X2, Gaze Shift, and Imaginary Target exercises. Each exercise is performed for 1 minute, repeated 3 times per session. Exercises target the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) by coordinating head and eye movements to reduce sensory conflict. |
| Oculomotor Exercises Group | Active comparator | Behavioral: Oculomotor ExercisesParticipants in this arm will receive Oculomotor Exercises for 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week. The protocol includes Range, Saccadic, Pursuit, and Vergence exercises. Each exercise is performed for 1 minute, repeated 3 times per session. Exercises target isolated eye movements without head motion to improve oculomotor control and reduce visual strain. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Screen time > 6 hours per day
- Computer usage history of at least 10 years
- Complaints of vertigo, blurred vision, and nausea during computer usage
- Positive Romberg's test
- Abnormal VOR (4-6 lines lost on LogMAR scale)
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Diagnosed vestibular disorders (e.g., BPPV, Meniere's)
- History of falls in the past 6 months
- Pregnancy
- Any neurological or neurodegenerative disease
- Use of walking aids
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Gaze Stabilization ExercisesWeek 1 - View X1: Patient sits upright. Target held at eye level 1 meter away. Patient turns head horizontally (left/right) or vertically (up/down) while keeping eyes fixed on target. Speed: slow (1Hz). Duration: 1 minute. Repetitions: 3 times per direction. Week 2 - View X2: Same as View X1 but head movement speed increased to 2Hz. Week 3 - Gaze Shift: Two targets placed 30 cm apart horizontally or vertically. Patient rotates head to face Target 1, then shifts gaze to Target 2 while continuing head rotation toward Target 2. Duration: 1 minute. Repetitions: 3 times. Week 4 - Imaginary Target: Patient fixates on a target (e.g., a sticker on wall). Closes eyes. Rotates head 30-45 degrees away from target. While eyes closed, patient imagines still looking at target. Opens eyes and checks if fixation is accurate. Duration: 1 minute. Repetitions: 3 times per direction. All exercises are performed under supervision for the first 3 sessions, then home-based with weekly follow-up calls. | Behavioural | Gaze Stabilization Exercises |
| Oculomotor ExercisesWeek 1 - Range Oculomotor Exercises: Eyes closed. Patient moves eyes slowly in horizontal (left-right), vertical (up-down), diagonal (top-left to bottom-right), and rotational (clockwise/counterclockwise) directions. Duration: 1 minute per direction. Repetitions: 3 times. Week 2 - Saccadic Exercises: Two stationary targets (e.g., two fingers) held 30 cm apart at eye level. Patient rapidly shifts gaze between targets without moving head. Duration: 1 minute. Repetitions: 3 times. Week 3 - Pursuit Exercises: A single target (e.g., pen) is moved slowly horizontally and vertically. Patient follows target smoothly with eyes only (head still). Speed: approx 20 degrees/second. Duration: 1 minute per direction. Repetitions: 3 times. Week 4 - Vergence Exercises: Target (e.g., pen) starts at 50 cm from patient's nose. Patient focuses on target as it is slowly moved toward nose to 5 cm (convergence), then back to 50 cm (divergence). Duration: 1 minute. Repetitions: 3 times under supervision. | Behavioural | Oculomotor Exercises Group |
Primary outcome
Change in Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR) Function
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 2, Week 4
Measured by Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA) test using a LogMAR chart. Patient reads smallest line possible while head is stationary (static VA). Then patient rotates head horizontally at 2Hz while reading. Number of lines lost between static and dynamic conditions is recorded. Normal VOR: 1-2 lines lost. Abnormal: 4-6 lines lost. Higher lines lost = worse VOR function.
Change in Cybersickness Severity
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 2, Week 4
Measured by the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ). Contains 16 symptoms rated 0-3 (0=not at all, 3=severe). Total score range 0-48. Subscales: Nausea (symptoms 1,2,6,7,8,9,14,15), Oculomotor (3,4,5,10,11,12,13), and Disorientation (5,10,11,12,13,14,15). Higher score = worse cybersickness.
1 secondary outcome
Change in Quality of Life
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 4
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 10 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Gaze Stabilization Exercises and Oculomotor Exercises in people with Cybersickness and Motion Sickness, run by University of Faisalabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR) Function (time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 2, Week 4). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Sep 2026.