Perceived Motion Sickness and Effects on Performance Following Naval Transportation

Abstract

The present study focused on the relationship between previous experiences of, and rated susceptibility to, motion sickness and its correlation to subjective measurements and actual performance. Performance was measured in terms of shooting precision among 23 participants from the Swedish amphibious corps after transportation in a small amphibious boat, while sealed off with no reference to the outside world. Self-rating questionnaires were collected regarding perceived performance and presence of motion sickness. The physiological status perceived by each participant was related to factors that generally indicate early stages of motion sickness, which also were correlated to deficits in performance. It was further shown that participants who believed that their performance could be affected by motion sickness also performed less well.

Motion Sickness Manifestations and Prevention

“…It is unclear whether the brain can compare various types of sensory inputs directly, but it seems to be capable of creating expectations of motion based on earlier experience which is compared with the perceived motion 10 . When we are asleep these comparisons do not happen because the brain does not analyze the inputs, consequently the sensory conflict does not occur and we can accordingly not become motion sick 11 . MS can also occur when an expected stimulus does not emerge or when unexpected stimuli emerge as per brain comparison 1 .…”

“…Some people on receiving provocative stimulation will show a very brief response, and others will maintain discomfort for a prolonged period. One of the major symptoms of motion sickness is vomiting 11 . Emesis can be triggered by the involvement of a variety of peripheral and central afferent mechanisms.…”