Vomit Comet Physiology: Autonomic Changes in Novice Flyers

Abstract

This exploratory study examined the effects of varying g-forces, including feelings of weightlessness, on an individual's physiology during parabolic flight. Specifically, we collected heart rate, accelerometer, and skin conductance measurements from 16 flyers aboard a parabolic flight using wearable, wireless sensors. The biosignals were then correlated to participant reports of nausea, anxiety, and excitement during periods of altered g-forces. Using linear mixed-effects models, we found that (1) heart rate was positively correlated to individuals' self-reported highest/lowest periods of both anxiety and excitement, and (2) bilateral skin conductance asymmetry was positively correlated to individuals' self-reported highest/lowest periods of nausea.