Quantifying the Impact of Motions on Human Aiming Performance: Evidence from Eye Tracking and Bio-Signals

Area of Science:

• Human-computer interaction
• Biomechanics
• Human factors engineering

Background:

• Working on moving platforms, like vehicles, often degrades human performance.
• Previous research has focused broadly on task performance, not specifically on precise hand movements under motion.
• Understanding motion's impact on fine motor skills is crucial for dynamic environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of platform motion on precise hand movements.
• To analyze the interaction between body motion and task difficulty in aiming tasks.
• To quantify performance decrements and physiological responses during in-motion tasks.

Main Methods:

• 28 participants performed reciprocal aiming tasks (Fitts's paradigm) on stationary and moving platforms.
• Task difficulty was manipulated via target width and distance (Index of Difficulty - ID).
• Measured variables included movement time (MT), errors, eye movements (fixations, saccades), heart rate (HR), and respiration rate (RR).

Main Results:

• In-motion conditions significantly degraded aiming performance compared to stationary conditions.
• Movement time (MT) and errors increased, while eye movement durations (fixations, saccades) were prolonged under motion.
• Heart rate (HR) and respiration rate (RR) elevated during in-motion tasks.
• The relationship between MT and ID showed steeper slopes in motion, indicating greater sensitivity to difficulty.

Conclusions:

• Platform motion substantially impairs fine motor control and task performance.
• Increased physiological responses suggest heightened cognitive and physical load in dynamic environments.
• Findings provide a basis for understanding human control mechanisms in demanding settings like aviation and emergency medical services.