Authors: Sauvet, Fabien; Jouanin, Jean Claude; Langrume, Christophe; Van Beers, Pascal; Papelier, Yves; Dussault, Caroline

Source: Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Volume 80, Number 10, October 2009 , pp. 862-869(8)

Publisher: Aerospace Medical Association

Abstract:

Sauvet F, Jouanin JC, Langrume C, Van Beers P, Papelier Y, Dussault C. Heart rate variability in novice pilots during and after a multi-leg cross-country flight. Aviat Space Environ Med 2009; 80:862-9.

Background: A pilot's workload induces autonomic nervous system modulations which could be related to a decrease of vigilance that could impair safety. Kinetics during flight and recovery are not well known. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess linear and nonlinear heart rate variability (HRV) modulations and vigilance during a high mental workload induced by a complex flight and subsequent recovery. Methods: There were 10 novice pilots (37.8 ± 4.4 yr, 115.8 ± 15.7 h flight experience) who performed a 3 h 30 min (09:30-13:00) multi-leg cross-country flight (Piper Pa28 airplane: 160 hp). We recorded electrocardiogram (ECG) during the flight and performed tests during the 24 h before and after the flight (13:30, 16:00, 18:30, 21:00, and 06:45). Tests included a stand test (10 min supine, 10 min standing), a Mackworth `clock' vigilance test, and a Karolinska Sleepiness Scale questionnaire. We assessed HRV components by time and frequency domains in parallel with the Poincaré plot analysis. Results: The flight induced a progressive decrease of RR intervals, standard deviation between normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), Poincaré SD1 and SD2 indices, and an increase of the low-frequency to high-frequency ratio (LF/HF). During recovery, vigilance remained depressed for 2 h 30 min after the flight. The decreased RR intervals and SD1 persisted for 5 h postflight both in supine and standing positions. LF/HF stayed elevated for 2 h 30 min after the flight. Conclusion: A multi-leg cross-country flight involves a vagal withdrawal and an increase of sympathetic activity lasting 5 h after landing. This delay could be recommended as a safety period.

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Keywords: autonomic nervous system; piloting; workload; recovery; vigilance

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3357/ASEM.2531.2009

Publication date: 2009-10-01

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