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Effects of scopolamine and dextroamphetamine on human performance
J F Schmedtje1, C M Oman, R Letz
1Man-Vehicle Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|May 1, 1988
Summary
This study found that a combined dose of scopolamine and dextroamphetamine did not significantly impair human performance on cognitive and psychomotor skills tests, challenging previous findings on these motion sickness drugs.
Area of Science:
- Human performance research
- Pharmacology
- Cognitive neuroscience
Background:
- Motion sickness affects operational readiness.
- Scopolamine and dextroamphetamine are used to prevent motion sickness.
- Previous studies suggested higher doses impair performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of a specific combined dose of scopolamine and dextroamphetamine on human performance.
- To assess cognitive and psychomotor skills in an operational context.
Main Methods:
- Computer-based cognitive and psychomotor tests were administered.
- Tests included Symbol-Digit Substitution, Reaction Time, Pattern Recognition, and Memory tasks.
- Subjects were exposed repetitively to five standardized tests.
Main Results:
- No significant decrements in cognitive or psychomotor performance were observed.
- The tested dose was 0.4 mg oral scopolamine and 5.0 mg oral dextroamphetamine.
- Findings contrast with previous reports using higher drug dosages.
Conclusions:
- The operational-level combined dose of scopolamine and dextroamphetamine appears safe for human performance.
- Further research is indicated to clarify the use of combination drug therapy.
- The study contributes to understanding drug effects in operational environments.