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Accession Number:
ADA505850
Title:
Effects of Locomotion Over Varied Terrain on Soldier Vigilance
Descriptive Note:
Conference paper
Corporate Author:
ARMY NATICK SOLDIER RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING CENTER MA
Report Date:
2008-12-01
Pagination or Media Count:
12.0
Abstract:
Walking is generally viewed as an automatized skill, requiring little ongoing attentional control in neurologically intact adults. However, a growing body of research demonstrates that attention is required when moving over difficult terrain. This has particular ramifications for warfighters, who must often move over challenging terrain while remaining vigilant to threats in their environment. The present study extends the basic research in this area by considering adaptation in attention allocation as warfighters gain familiarity with particular terrain. Soldier volunteers walked for 30 minutes on a treadmill while performing an attention-demanding secondary task. Eye-tracking was used to monitor gaze behavior and terrain complexity was varied by having participants step over markings placed at irregular intervals on the treadmill belt. Secondary task response times improved over the 30 minute period in the marking-present condition, indicating adaptation of attentional control. Additionally, volunteers consistently made fewer and shorter fixations on the treadmill belt relative to the secondary task stimuli. These results are discussed relative to challenges dismounted warfighters face in maintaining situation awareness during movement over rugged terrain.
Distribution Statement:
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
