Pilot physiology, cognition and flight performance during flight simulation exposed to a 3810-m hypoxic condition.
BACKGROUND
Hypoxia is a physiological state defined as a reduction in the distribution of oxygen to the tissues of the body. It has been considered a major factor in aviation safety worldwide because of its potential for pilot disorientation. Pilots are able to operate aircrafts up to 3810 m without the use of supplemental oxygen and may exhibit symptoms associated with hypoxia.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of 3810 m on physiology, cognition and performance in pilots during a flight simulation.


METHODS
Ten healthy male pilots engaged in a counterbalanced experimental protocol comparing a 0-m normoxic condition (NORM) with a 3810-m hypoxic condition (HYP) on pilot physiology, cognition and flight performance.


RESULTS
Repeated-measures analysis of variance demonstrated a significant (p ≤ 0.05) time by condition interaction for physiological and cognitive alterations during HYP. A paired-samples t test demonstrated no differences in pilot performance (p ≥ 0.05) between conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
Pilots exhibited physiological and cognitive impairments; however, pilot performance was not affected by HYP.
a Nova Southeastern University , USA.
Corey A
CA
Peacock
b Kent State University , USA.
Raymond
R
Weber
c Northern Kentucky University , USA.
Gabriel J
GJ
Sanders
b Kent State University , USA.
Yongsuk
Y
Seo
b Kent State University , USA.
David
D
Kean
b Kent State University , USA.
Brandon S
BS
Pollock
b Kent State University , USA.
Keith J
KJ
Burns
b Kent State University , USA.
Mark
M
Cain
b Kent State University , USA.
Phillip
P
LaScola
b Kent State University , USA.
Ellen L
EL
Glickman
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D000070356:Pilots; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis
D010100:Oxygen
flight simulation; hypoxia; physiology