Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Dynamic Simulated Shooting Performance
Abstract
Balance and coordination are disrupted by sensorimotor challenges, including pathologies resulting from blast overpressure or head acceleration/impact. Various vestibular and balance assessment tools are being developed for military use. This research evaluated simulated shooting tasks designed to be more dynamic and balance-intensive than current standard range marksmanship qualification tasks. Using a research-modified Engagement Skills Trainer, shooting performance and perceived workload were assessed during shooting tasks designed to challenge balance analogously to clinical gait assessments. Our first study established that we could detect shooting performance deficits caused by unusual vestibular stimulation. Our second study evaluated whether we could detect performance deficits associated with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Our main findings were participants with mTBI were dizzier than healthy subjects and reported a higher perceived workload during the shooting tasks; however, we did not detect a decrement in their shooting performance. Further research is needed using healthy and control subjects from the same site.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1007462
Entities
People
- Amanda Kelley
- Ben Lawson
- Bethany Ranes
- Bradley Erickson
- Brian Laskowski
- Catherine Wrobel
- Jim Chiaramonte
- John Campbell
- Lana Milam
- Linda Thompson
- Melody King
- Timothy Cho
Organizations
- United States Army Aeromedical Research Lab