Measurement and Modification of Sensorimotor System Function during Visual-Motor Performance

Abstract

Both laboratory and in-flight studies were carried out in order to evaluate the utility and feasibility of EEg monitoring as a means of identifying central nervous system correlates of performance and G-force effects during military flight operations. Four studies were conducted, two with controlled laboratory simulation, and two in actual flight during military training missions. Data analysis focused on EEG power-spectral density characteristics and their temporal modulation, specifically in sensorimotor and visual cortical areas. Several consistent findings emerged. During competent performance, a highly unique discrepency appeared between left and right hemispheres in central 8-15 Hz activity. This pattern disappeared as performance degraded. The temporal modulation of this activity also reflected these changes. During high G-force situations, power at frequencies below 8 Hz was progressively and non- specifically enhanced. Continued competent performance, however, was still reflected by the pattern described above. These findings are discussed in terms of their neurophysiological implications.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 21, 1987
Accession Number
ADA186351

Entities

People

  • G. J. Schummer
  • J. Cole Smith
  • M. B. Sterman
  • T. W. Dushenko

Organizations

  • University of California, Los Angeles

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Brain
  • Central Nervous System
  • Computers
  • Data Analysis
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Flight Simulators
  • Flight Training
  • Frequency Bands
  • Information Processing
  • Modulation
  • Nervous System
  • Recording Systems
  • Regression Analysis
  • Simulations
  • Simulators

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Brain and Cognitive Science; Experimental Psychology; Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Neuroscience