A Review on the Effects of Frequency of Oscillation on Motion Sickness

In support of the ADVANCE TDP Advanced Vehicle Architecture for a Net-Enabled Combat Environment Technology Demonstration Project, and at the request of Director Armoured Vehicles Program Management DAVPM, we undertook to provide a Phase I assessment on the effects of motion disturbance on the performance of operators based on a theoretical and comprehensive literature review. A comprehensive review on the effects of motion disturbance on human behaviour and well-being in all forms of transportation was completed. Based on information collected, a summary of the motion frequency and amplitude on human response was presented graphically. The main findings can be summarized as follows The majority of information is obtained from ship-simulator or ship motion where vertical heave motion is the primary stimulus. Vertical motion does not correlate with the rate of carsickness. Fore-and-aft and lateral motion in the frequency range of 0.1-0.5 Hz is provocative in inducing carsickness. Postures and type of backhead rest could influence susceptibility to motion sickness. Laboratory studies indicated that the ability of the active suspension to protect against or contribute to motion sickness is influenced by whether or not the compensation is under the active control of the rider. Vertical motion frequencies below 0.5 Hz are generally more nauseogenic. Whole body vibration at 2 Hz and above can cause discomfort or injury but will not provoke motion sickness. Based on limited data, frequencies below 0.1 Hz lessen the possibility of motion sickness. The effect of vibration along the horizontal x and y axes on performance is unknown.