group
What campus are you from?
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Meliah Martin, Junior Kelsey Hunsicker, Sophomore Keith Argobast, Sophmore
Lead Presenter's Name
Meliah Martin
Faculty Mentor Name
Sean Crouse
Abstract
Research on analog astronaut performance and stress levels is essential for both aerospace and other high stakes environments. Gloves, while protective, can restrict dexterity and impact an astronaut's ability to complete tasks. This study aims to explore the connection between glove stiffness, task outcomes, and stress response with the goal of informing design and training strategies for operational environments, both within Eaglenauts and industry. We aim to have 24-36 participants who will complete psychomotor tasks when under 3 glove conditions; high restriction, low restriction, and no restriction as a control. task success will be measured through participant’s completion time, errors, dexterity scores, and grip/pinch strength. Alongside this, participants will be monitored for heart rate variability (HRV) as a stress response. A pilot phase will be conducted to validate stiffness manipulation and task timing. We anticipate that there will be a decreased heart rate variability when performing with a high restriction glove, indicating an increased level of stress, along with reduced dexterity scores and performance. By integrating human factors, physiology, and engineering to quantify how glove restriction impacts performance. Results will guide the development of gloves along with training protocols that will balance protection and dexterity, improving human performance in operational settings.
Did this research project receive funding support from the Office of Undergraduate Research.
No
Handling Stress: Effects of Glove Resistance on Dexterity and Physiological Stress
Research on analog astronaut performance and stress levels is essential for both aerospace and other high stakes environments. Gloves, while protective, can restrict dexterity and impact an astronaut's ability to complete tasks. This study aims to explore the connection between glove stiffness, task outcomes, and stress response with the goal of informing design and training strategies for operational environments, both within Eaglenauts and industry. We aim to have 24-36 participants who will complete psychomotor tasks when under 3 glove conditions; high restriction, low restriction, and no restriction as a control. task success will be measured through participant’s completion time, errors, dexterity scores, and grip/pinch strength. Alongside this, participants will be monitored for heart rate variability (HRV) as a stress response. A pilot phase will be conducted to validate stiffness manipulation and task timing. We anticipate that there will be a decreased heart rate variability when performing with a high restriction glove, indicating an increased level of stress, along with reduced dexterity scores and performance. By integrating human factors, physiology, and engineering to quantify how glove restriction impacts performance. Results will guide the development of gloves along with training protocols that will balance protection and dexterity, improving human performance in operational settings.