The Effects of Optical Disorientation on Task Performance and Motion Sickness
Abstract
Our work confirms that unfamiliar and unexpected optical information can by itself lead to disorientation, performance decrements, bodily discomfort, and motion sickness symptoms, specifically dizziness, queasiness, and unsteadiness. We manipulated the visual environment of 15 subjects by prismatically up-down reversing the field of view, preceded by a no-prism baseline condition. Methodologically we held vestibular stimulation constant. Through the reversing prism Ss saw what Stratton in 1896 called the swinging of the scene as they moved around. Subjects' responses while performing a battery of behavioral tests that included perceptual tasks, equilibrium tests, fine and gross motor coordination tests, and motion sickness ratings, were then compared to the no-prism baseline. We observed 1) dizziness and queasiness, especially during head movements; 2) poor balance while standing; 3) unsteady equilibrium while walking; 4) disorientation while moving about and during attempted precise eye-hand coordination; and 5) associated autonomic activity, including changes in sweating (GSR), muscle tension (EMG), skin surface temperature (EDG), and pulse throughout the protocol. We tested for adaptation by having Ss repeat all six visually guided fine motor coordination tasks; rapid improvement occurred even in Ss who reported extreme dizziness and queasiness throughout the protocol. The movements demonstrated the prominent role played by unfamiliar and unexpected optical movement information in the etiology of disorientation, disequilibrium, performance decrements, and motion sickness symptoms.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA178088
Entities
People
- Hubert Dolezal
- Melvin R. O'neal
- Thomas R. Connon
Organizations
- Armstrong Laboratory