Human Systems Integration Division @ NASA Ames

The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency and severity of motion sickness in personnel during a field exercise in the Command and Control Vehicle (C2V). This vehicle contains four workstations where military personnel are expected to perform command decisions in the field during combat conditions. Eight active duty military men (U.S. Army) at the Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona participated in this study. All subjects were given baseline performance tests while their physiological responses were monitored on the first day. On the second day of their participation, subjects rode in the C2V while their physiological responses and performance measures were recorded. Self-reports of motion sickness were also recorded. Results showed that only one subject experienced two incidences of emesis. However, seven of the eight subjects reported other motion sickness symptoms; most predominant was the report of drowsiness, which occurred a total of 19 times. Changes in physiological responses were observed relative to motion sickness symptoms reported and the different environmental conditions (i.e., level, hills, gravel) during the field exercise. These findings suggest that malaise and severe drowsiness can potentially impact the operational efficiency of C2V crew. However, a number of variables (e., individual's sleep quantity prior to the mission, prior experience in the C2V, etc.) were not controlled for in this study and may have influenced the results. Most notable was the fact that all subjects with previous experience in the C2V all occupied seat 4, which was anecdotally reported to be the least provocative position. Nonetheless, it was possible to determine which factors likely contributed to the results observed. It was concluded that conflicting sensory information from the subject's visual displays and movements of the vehicle during the field exercise significantly contributed to motion sickness symptoms observed in both this study and the earlier study at Camp Roberts. The objectives of this study were successfully met. The use of three converging indicators, (1) physiological monitoring, (2) subject self-reports of symptoms, and (3) performance metrics, was an effective means of evaluating the incidence of motion sickness and the impact on overall crew operational capacity within the C2V. It was recommended that a second study be conducted to further evaluate the impact of seat position or orientation and C2V experience on motion sickness susceptibility. Further, it was recommended that an investigation be performed on behavioral methods for improving crew alertness, motivation, and performance and for reducing malaise.