Cognitive Performance of Individuals Using a Head—Mounted Display While Walking

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Abstract
Considerable research has been conducted on head or helmet-mounted displays (HMDs) for aviators, but little, if any, for ground soldiers. This study investigated the ability of individuals to perform combined tasks of walking over irregular terrain (simulated) and processing information from an HMD. Volunteers performed reaction time tasks while either standing or walking on a treadmill, with and without obstacles. Results show uniform effects of obstacles on three levels of cognitive difficulty. Walking on level ground with no obstacles had no more effect on information processing than merely standing, whereas minor and moderate levels of obstacle avoidance had equal impact. Spatial displays were easier than verbal and numeric displays during all levels of mobility. Subjective effort matched reaction time performance. Results support existing models of attention and will help provide guidance for unique applications for the ground combatant.

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