Citation

Peacock CA, Webber R, Sanders GJ, Seo Y, Kean D, Pollock BS, Burns KJ, Cain M, LaScola P, Glickman EL. Int. J. Occup. Safety Ergonomics 2016; 23(1): 44-49.

Affiliation

Kent State University , Kent , OH , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10803548.2016.1234685

PMID

27617800

Abstract

Hypoxia is a physiological state defined as a reduction in the distribution of oxygen to the tissues of the body. It has been considered as 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.

PURPOSE: 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.

CONCLUSION: Pilots exhibited physiological and cognitive impairments; however, pilot performance was not affected by HYP.

Language: en