Field Survey on the Incidence and Severity of Motion Sickness in the Canadian Forces Enclosed light Armoured Vehicle

In the Advanced Vehicle Architecture for a Net-Enabled Combat Environment Technology Demonstrator Project (ADVANCE TDP), there is a need to define the requirements of the active suspension system and how the resulting motion affects performance and well-being (i.e. incidence and severity of motion sickness). At the request of the Director Armoured Vehicles Program Management (DAVPM), a study to investigate the effects of motion disturbance in the LAV III (light armoured vehicle) was completed. During a two-week mechanized platoon commander course held at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Gagetown, an anonymous questionnaire concerning the rating of 1) motion sickness symptoms and 2) mood and alertness was distributed daily to all of the course participants. Although the participants were encouraged to complete the questionnaire several times each day, compliance with instructions was adversely affected by the operational and physical demands of the course. In addition, uncontrolled variables such as noise, vibration, adverse weather, stress and fatigue likely affected the scores of diagnostic motion sickness symptoms and mood. The most frequently reported motion sickness symptoms were drowsiness, feeling warm and headaches. The most frequently reported mood parameters were weariness, sleepiness, and physical discomfort. Anecdotal reports suggested that the course participants, who were experienced infantry members, had habituated to the motion of the LAV III and were thus less susceptible to motion disturbance than less experienced members.