Development of a Performance-Based Test of Gaze Capability: A Threshold Approach
Abstract
A high degree of gaze efficiency involving the precise coordinated motion of the head and eyes is particularly important to the aviator when making large shifts in gaze during the visual scan of cockpit instruments and avionics systems. For this reason, NAMRL has concentrated on the development of a relatively low-cost, performance-based measure of head/eye coordination that can be used to identify individual differences in the naval aviation population. Preliminary research has led to the development of a simplified test of gaze function identified as the Vestibulo Ocular-Reflex Performance Test (VORPET). The test is based on a Bekesy-type determination of the threshold time required for an individual to recognize and identify a fixed number of digits immediately following 90 deg shifts in gaze. The report provides a detailed description of the new test protocol and its design concepts along with the results of experiments comparing horizontal and vertical gaze shift performance, and test- retest learning effects. Keywords: Vestibular apparatus; Biomedical test; Aviation medicine; Flight crews; Human performance tests. (edc)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 16, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA214675
Entities
People
- W. C. Hixon
Organizations
- Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory