Autonomic physiological data associated with simulator discomfort

Abstract

A physiological monitoring capability was developed for the Army's Crew Station Research and Development Facility (CSRDF), a research simulator for advanced rotorcraft. Preliminary physiological data are reported from studies of simulator-induced sickness. Our objective was to demonstrate sensitivity of physiological measures relative to self-reports of simulator sickness severity. The data suggested that heart period, tachygastria, and skin conductance level were more sensitive to simulator sickness than were vagal tone and normal myoelectrical gastric activity.