The influence of increased positive g on reaching movements

Abstract

4 groups of 12 subjects each were subjected to three different conditions: 1g, 3g and 5g, using the human centrifuge located at the University of California. Each subject was required to reach from a timer switch 19" away to a target 5" square in each of 4 positions, up, down, left, and right. Touching the target produced a puncture on a polar coordinate sheet. Results showed that speed and accuracy are impaired at increased g levels, and that kinesthetic cues governing the arm thrust are inadequate. Two kinds of errors are found: negative inertia error and error of downward tendency. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for location of controls in aircraft. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)