The Effects of the M17A2 Gas Mask on Reaction Times and Accuracy in Males and Females under Non-Exercise Conditions

Kelly, T. L.; Ryman, D. H.; Sucec, A. A.; Yeager, J. E.; Englund, C. E.

The Effects of the M17A2 Gas Mask on Reaction Times and Accuracy in Males and Females under Non-Exercise Conditions

Active / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA192528 |

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Abstract:

Volunteer U. S. Marine Corps personnel 24 males and 8 females participated in a randomized crossover design experiment studying effects of the M17A2 gas mask on speed and accuracy of performance in a series of non-exercise computer controlled tasks. A test of a simple reaction time SRT showed small decrements in speed of response mean mask reaction time 254 vs no mask 238 msec, p.007 fastest mask reaction times 178 vs no mask 171 msec, p.009. A task requiring the subject to rapidly alternate between pressing two buttons showed a small decrease in the number or presses achieved per session 1268 vs 1320, p.045. A more complex reaction time task, visual vigilance, and logical reasoning showed no changes in speed or accuracy when the mask was worn. When the male and female data were analyzed separately, the effects on SRT were only significant among females, while the effects on TRAP were only significant in males. Females also showed a decrement in the slowest responses in the complex reaction time task.

Author(s):

Kelly, T. L. ; Ryman, D. H. ; Sucec, A. A. ; Yeager, J. E. ; Englund, C. E.

Author Organization(s):

NAVAL HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER SAN DIEGO CA

Descriptive Note:

Interim rept.

Pagination:

0017

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:

Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR

Identifying Numbers

Report Number(s):

NHRC-88-5

Task Number(s):

AB

Project Number(s):

3M463764B995

Monitor Series:

NHRC

Subject Terms

Joint Capability Areas:

JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_5.5.1_Communicate Intent and Guidance; JCA_5.5.2_Task; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_1.2.2_Exercising; JCA_1.2.5_Lessons Learned; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application

Communities of Interest:

Biomedical

Descriptor(s):

*PERFORMANCE(HUMAN), *HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING, *GAS MASKS, COMPARISON, COGNITION, REASONING, VIGILANCE, REACTION TIME, ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE, MALES, MARINE CORPS PERSONNEL, FEMALES, PROTECTIVE MASKS, GLOVES, PUSH BUTTONS

Field(s)/Group(s):

Stress Physiology, Chemical, Biological and Radiological Warfare, Human Factors Engineering and Man Machine Systems

Keyword(s):

M17A2 GAS MASKS, PE63764A, WU087, WUDA307899, AS995

Report Date:

1987 Oct 26