Authors: Lee, Yung-Hui; Liu, Bor-Shong

Source: Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Volume 74, Number 10, October 2003 , pp. 1078-1084(7)

Publisher: Aerospace Medical Association

Abstract:

Lee Y-H, Liu B-S. Inflight workload assessment: comparison of subjective and physiological measurements. Aviat Space Environ Med 2003; 74:1078-84.

Introduction: Assessment of pilot workload during flight is an important aviation safety consideration. The aim of this study was to assess inflight pilot workload using both physiological and multidimensional subjective-ratings measurements (heart rate and NASA Task Load Index, respectively), comparing relative sensitivity during the four phases of flight: take-off, cruise, approach, and landing. Methods: Ten male pilots volunteered to participate in the trials, which took place in a Boeing 747-400 flight simulator. Electrocardiography was performed throughout the test using the portable Cardiovis ECG system. Mean heart rate (HR) and incremental heart rate (ΔHR) were considered indices of physiological workload. Results: Peak HR was observed during take-off (83.2 bpm) and landing (88.6 bpm); moreover, ΔHR was also greatest (14.2 bpm and 18.8 bpm). The Task Load Index (TLX) scale revealed that mental and performance demands were essential components of workload during flight. In addition, temporal demand was an important component of workload during take-off and physical demand was significant during cruise. Analysis of correlation revealed that the ΔHR is significantly related to TLX scores (r = 0.81, n = 40). Conclusions: Management of the individual sources of stress, which tend to become predominant during different flight phases, should be emphasized in periodic recurrent training. For example, a pilot must be trained to cope with the increased temporal stresses associated with take-off. In addition, the recommendations will be concerned with maintaining vigilance, task allocation between pilots, and inflight rest during long-haul cruise.

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Keywords: pilot workload; heart rate; NASA Task Load Index (TLX) scale

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2003-10-01

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• The peer-reviewed monthly journal, Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine (ASEM) provides contact with physicians, life scientists, bioengineers, and medical specialists working in both basic medical research and in its clinical applications. It is the most used and cited journal in its field. ASEM is distributed to more than 80 nations.
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