Cognitive and Operational Performance During a Five-Day Disabled Submarine Simulation
Abstract
The present study aimed to conduct a DISSUB simulation that included a constellation of environmental, mental, and physical stressors in order to determine their effects on human cognitive and operational performance. Thirteen volunteers participated in a five-day disabled submarine (DISSUB) simulation in the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory (NSMRL) hypo/hyperbaric chamber. Ten DISSUB-like stressors including thermal changes (temperature and humidity), atmospheric composition (oxygen and carbon dioxide), dim lighting, confinement/isolation, boredom, hygiene, nutrition, caffeine withdrawal, pain, and fatigue were imposed and/or measured during the simulation. Cognitive performance, operational performance, and mood were evaluated through daily assessments and questionnaires. While the study was successful in conducting a multi-day simulation with no participant attrition, safety and ethical concerns limited the ability to replicate a fully-realistic DISSUB scenario. No significant change in performance accuracy on the cognitive assessments or the operational measures was observed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 07, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1147671
Entities
People
- Emily Moslener
- Sam Perlmutter
- Sarah Chabal
Organizations
- Leidos
- Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory