Objective:

Utilize augmented reality (AR) to create military specific scenarios that can be objectively quantified and used to facilitate the detection of and return-to-duty (RTD) following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).  

Background:

Methods of detecting military mTBI are rooted in neuropsychological tests that measure a construct of executive or motor function.  This approach does not lend itself to accurate detection or appropriate RTD.  We have demonstrated the HoloLens 2 AR device provides accurate biomechanical data.  Placing digital assets in a user’s real-world via AR technology creates an ecological environment to evaluate function.  An AR Rifle qualification test (RQT) to evaluate dynamic movement, information processing, shooting performance and decision-making was developed.  To evaluate performance in the context of a group or military unit, a room clearing assessment was created.   

Design/Methods:

Data were gathered from 157 active-duty service members.  The RQT was performed under single- and dual-task conditions. Five room clearing scenarios in which information processing and motor demands were manipulated were completed. Kinematic data from the HoloLens 2 provided biomechanical outcomes characterizing cognitive and motor performance.   

Results:

Reaction time (RT) to firing and accuracy of target acquisition in the RQT did not differ between single- and dual-task conditions (p<0.05). Transition time from kneel to stand did not differ between conditions; however, dual-task sway path (41.2±17.5 cm) post-transition was increased compared to single-task (35.1±14.2 cm). There was a significant increase in processing time as the complexity of the room clearing scenarios increased.  

Conclusions: