Limitations of postural equilibrium tests for examining simulator sickness.

Area of Science:

• Human Factors
• Neuroscience
• Aerospace Medicine

Background:

• Simulator sickness often involves balance disturbances and disorientation.
• Objective measures are needed to quantify these effects.
• Ataxia tests are potential tools for assessing balance function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the psychometric properties of four ataxia tests.
• To assess the sensitivity of these tests to disorientation.
• To determine their utility in measuring balance disturbances related to simulator sickness.

Main Methods:

• Two-part study: initial practice sessions for learning effects, followed by sensitivity testing.
• Sensory conflict exposure using a disorientation training flight simulator.
• Performance on four ataxia tests (Stand on One Leg Eyes Closed, Sharpened Romberg, etc.) measured before and after exposure.
• Collection of subjective disorientation and postural disequilibrium reports.

Main Results:

• Learning effects were observed across all four ataxia measures.
• The Stand on One Leg Eyes Closed and Sharpened Romberg tests showed acceptable reliability.
• Only the Sharpened Romberg test demonstrated sufficient sensitivity to confirm subjective reports of postural disequilibrium.

Conclusions:

• The Sharpened Romberg test is a reliable and sensitive measure for detecting disorientation-induced postural disequilibrium.
• Ataxia testing, particularly the Sharpened Romberg, can objectively assess balance disturbances in simulator sickness.
• Further research may refine the use of these tests in aviation and other simulation-based training.