The Effects of US Army Chemical Protective Clothing on Speech Intelligibility, Visual Field, Body Mobility and Psychomotor Coordination of Men
Abstract
This research was conducted to examine the effects of the ARmy's standard chemical protective (CP) clothing system on a number of aspects of a soldier's performance. Included in the research were tests of speech intelligibility, the visual field, body mobility, and psychomotor coordination. Twelve Army enlisted men participated in the speech intelligibility and the visual field testing and 11 Army enlisted men participated in the body mobility and the psychomotor coordination testing. In investigating body mobility and psychomotor coordination, the components of the CP system were tested individually, as well as in various combinations, in order to isolate the effects of each component and to determine the extent to which the components interact to affect performance. It was found that use of the CP mask and hood interfered with wearer's ability to understand spoken words and to be understood when speaking. The mask also restricted the wearer's visual field. The impact of CP clothing on body mobility and psychomotor coordination varied as a function of the task being performed and the particular CP items, or combinations of items, being worn. Compared with the wearing of the Battle Dress Uniform, use of the complete chemical protective clothing system restricted visual-motor coordination or manual dexterity. The effects of the CP clothing on the aspects of performance included in this investigation, and on user acceptance, were considered in light of the material and design configurations of these clothing items.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA188478
Entities
People
- Carolyn K. Bensel
- Donna B. Kaplan
- Richard A. Teixeira
Organizations
- United States Army Soldier Systems Center