Task complexity modulates pilot electroencephalographic activity during real flights.
Most research connecting task performance and neural activity to date has been conducted in laboratory conditions. Thus, field studies remain scarce, especially in extreme conditions such as during real flights. Here, we investigated the effects of flight procedures of varied complexity on the in-flight EEG activity of military helicopter pilots. Flight procedural complexity modulated the EEG power spectrum: highly demanding procedures (i.e., takeoff and landing) were associated with higher EEG power in the higher frequency bands, whereas less demanding procedures (i.e., flight exercises) were associated with lower EEG power over the same frequency bands. These results suggest that EEG recordings may help to evaluate an operator's cognitive performance in challenging real-life scenarios, and thus could aid in the prevention of catastrophic events.
Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Granada, Spain.|Joint Center University of Granada-Spanish Army Training and Doctrine Command, Granada, Spain.|College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.|Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Leandro L
LL
Di Stasi
Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Granada, Spain.|College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Carolina
C
Diaz-Piedra
Spanish Air Force Helicopter School, 78th Air Base Wing, Armilla, Spain.
Juan
J
Suárez
Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Michael B
MB
McCamy
Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.|SUNY Downstate Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
Susana
S
Martinez-Conde
University Centre of Defence, Spanish Air Force Academy, San Javier, Spain.
Joaquín
J
Roca-Dorda
Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
Andrés
A
Catena
D000328:Adult; D000401:Aircraft; D001359:Aviation; D058256:Brain Waves; D004569:Electroencephalography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D055815:Young Adult
Descriptors: EEG; Fatigue; Neuroergonomics; Safety; Simulation; Training