Aerospace medicine and human performance最新文献

{"title":"A Cross-Sectional Audiometric Analysis of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Military Aviators.","authors":"Mengting Hao, Xuewen Zheng, Daocheng Chen, Xiaoli Ma, Wenbin Yu, Lin Liu, Yu Bai","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6799.2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.6799.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The objective of this study was to establish a quantitative relationship between the occurrence of certain auditory impairments in Chinese military pilots and their flight hours. The investigation will determine whether the prevalence of left-ear vulnerability necessitates the implementation of cockpit noise control measures.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Cross-sectional pure-tone audiometry (0.125-8 kHz) was performed in 155 active-duty aviators with an average time of 2241 h in 2024. Hearing loss (HL) was defined as pure tone average (4, 6, 8 kHz) ≥25 dB. Asymmetry was tested with paired t-tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Prevalence of high-frequency HL rate was 14.2% unilateral and 12.9% bilateral. Aircraft type correlated with threshold differences at 0.125, 2, and 6 kHz in the left ear and at 8 kHz in the right ear. Flight hours showed strong associations with elevated thresholds at 4, 6, and 8 kHz in both ears. A two-way analysis of variance indicated no significant interaction between flight hours and aircraft type on hearing thresholds. An asymmetry existed between the two ears, with left-ear thresholds exceeding the right by 2.9 ± 0.73 dB at 0.25-4 kHz.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This study found that age and flight time were statistically significant risk factors for noise-induced HL in military pilots. Early detection strategies are of critical importance for hearing protection. The consistent inferiority of the left ear indicates the necessity of optimizing active noise reduction for the left helmet cup. Hao M, Zheng X, Chen D, Ma X, Yu W, Liu L, Bai Y. A cross-sectional audiometric analysis of noise-induced hearing loss in military aviators. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(8):618-626.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 8","pages":"618-626"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148652839","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterizing Pilot Fatigue During Circadian-Disrupted Short-Haul Aviation Operations.","authors":"Erin E Flynn-Evans, Nicholas Bathurst, Sean Pradhan, Kevin B Gregory, Laura K Barger, Amanda C M Lamp, Zachary Glaros, Lucia Arsintescu, Rachel A Jansen, Hannah M Baumgartner, Thomas E Nesthus, Cassie J Hilditch","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6898.2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.6898.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Short-haul aviation pilots often operate irregular schedules that encroach on the biological night and disrupt sleep, alertness, fatigue, and cognitive performance, posing a potential safety risk. Regulatory limits and industry practices exist to mitigate such impairments, but few studies have examined the impact of circadian-disrupted schedules.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Commercial passenger pilots from four U.S. airlines collected data during, and 1-3 d before and after, two trip types: one with circadian disruption (i.e., ≥1 duty day encroaching on the biological night); and one without. Sleep was measured using actigraphy and sleep logs. Subjects completed a 5-min psychomotor vigilance task, Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, and Samn-Perelli fatigue scale 3x/day on days off and after waking, pre-duty, at top-of-descent for each flight, post-duty, and before bed on duty days. We compared outcomes with mixed-effects models adjusted for multiple comparisons.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Subjects (N = 159) provided valid data for analysis. We found small but significant differences (all d values <0.30) between circadian-disrupted and nondisrupted trips, with greater sleepiness (4.77 ± 2.16 vs. 4.43 ± 2.11), greater fatigue (3.64 ± 1.38 vs. 3.37 ± 1.34), slower response speed (1000/reaction time; 3.86 ± 0.63 vs. 3.94 ± 0.61), and less total daily sleep time (6.28 ± 1.73 h vs. 6.75 ± 1.28 h) during the circadian-disrupted trips.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Our findings suggest that there is a small but significant reduction in alertness and performance when working during the biological night that remains, even when prescriptive limitations and existing airline mitigations are in place. Flynn-Evans EE, Bathurst N, Pradhan S, Gregory KB, Barger LK, Lamp ACM, Glaros Z, Arsintescu L, Jansen RA, Baumgartner HM, Nesthus TE, Hilditch CJ. Characterizing pilot fatigue during circadian-disrupted short-haul aviation operations. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(8):607-617.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 8","pages":"607-617"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148652884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"ICAM!","authors":"Anthony Wagstaff","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.PP9708.2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.PP9708.2026","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 8","pages":"583"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148652887","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identifying Predisposing Factors for Hyperopic Shift in Long-Duration Spaceflight.","authors":"Taylor M Aldeghi, Russell G Higbee","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6896.2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.6896.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>NASA identifies spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) as a significant health concern for astronauts on missions exceeding 30 d. This retrospective analysis evaluates age, mission duration, and preflight bodyweight as risk factors for hyperopic shift, a component of SANS. Results may guide the development of prevention strategies for future missions and provide insight into similar conditions on Earth.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Deidentified data were obtained from NASA' s Medical Evaluation Documents, Volume B database for astronauts who participated in space missions >30 d. Refractive outcomes were assessed using manifest refraction (MR) and manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), calculating the mean change between pre- and postflight measurements across both eyes. The cohort included 85 subjects for age and mission duration analyses and 84 for bodyweight. Each risk factor was divided into quintiles. Spearman's rank correlation identified associations between quintiles and hyperopic shift.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Age showed a significant positive correlation with hyperopic shift (MR: r = 0.373; MRSE: r = 0.353). Mission duration correlated with MR (r = 0.253) and showed a nonsignificant trend with MRSE (r = 0.195). Preflight bodyweight correlated significantly with MRSE (r = 0.242) and showed a similar nonsignificant trend with MR (r = 0.207).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Age was the strongest predictor of hyperopic shift. Mission duration and bodyweight showed weaker positive associations. Future investigations should define SANS with threshold criteria and use logistic regression. The relationship between these risk factors and other manifestations of SANS also warrants further investigation. Aldeghi TM, Higbee RG. Identifying predisposing factors for hyperopic shift in long-duration spaceflight. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(8):627-632.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 8","pages":"627-632"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148652933","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Psychomotor Alertness and Subjective Fatigue in Helicopter Pilots.","authors":"Ismail Gevrek, Cem Eroglu","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6887.2026","DOIUrl":"10.3357/AMHP.6887.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Fatigue poses a significant safety risk in helicopter operations; however, subjective assessments of fatigue based on an individual's perception, awareness, and insight, such as self-perceived tiredness, may not accurately reflect objective performance impairment as identified by standardized tests or measurement tools. In this context, the present study investigated the relationship between subjective drowsiness and objective alertness performance among helicopter pilots during operational tasks using a computerized psychomotor vigilance task (PVT).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This observational field study initially included 20 helicopter pilots. Complete pre- and postflight measurements were available for 15 pilots and were included in the final analysis. Subjective sleepiness was assessed before testing using the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale. Objective alertness was measured pre- and postflight using a PVT; mean reaction time (ms) was used as the primary outcome variable.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean subjective sleepiness score was 3.98 ± 1.27 (range: 2.0-6.9). Mean PVT reaction time increased from 461.2 ± 118.1 ms preflight to 516.3 ± 100.8 ms postflight (an 11.9% increase), reaching statistical significance with a medium-to-large effect size (Cohen's dz = 0.65). Considerable interindividual variability was observed. Correlation analysis revealed a weak association between subjective sleepiness and postflight PVT reaction time (r = 0.16, P = 0.573), with prolonged reaction times observed in some pilots reporting low subjective sleepiness.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Combining objective alertness measures with subjective scales may improve fatigue risk management. Gevrek I, Eroglu C. Psychomotor alertness and subjective fatigue in helicopter pilots. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(8):633-637.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 8","pages":"633-637"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148652925","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advances in Aircraft Accident Disaster Victim Identification Using DNA Techniques.","authors":"Alpo Vuorio, Antti Sajantila, Robert Bor, Bruce Budowle","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6929.2026","DOIUrl":"10.3357/AMHP.6929.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Modern DNA technologies have substantially advanced disaster victim identification. The advances are summarized while stressing privacy, security, and psychological values of victim identification. Identification of victims in fatal aircraft accidents demonstrated the effectiveness of DNA profiling. Initially based on minisatellite or microsatellite loci (i.e., short tandem repeats), DNA analyses are moving toward high-throughput massively parallel sequencing (MPS) that enables analysis of genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms, permitting typing of highly degraded samples with increased sensitivity. MPS has made it possible to analyze highly degraded samples. Adoption of MPS also has led to the emergence of a new discipline for human identification known as forensic genetic genealogy. Compared with short tandem repeat typing and mitochondrial DNA sequencing, forensic genetic genealogy substantially expands the analytical space for identification of human remains. The elements of data privacy and security with mass disasters are also important considerations for adopting this technology. Vuorio A, Sajantila A, Bor R, Budowle B. Advances in aircraft accident disaster victim identification using DNA techniques. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(8):648-650.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 8","pages":"648-650"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148652819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nicotine Effects on Vestibular Function in Pilot Selection.","authors":"Natasha Kahlhofen, Karsten Lindgaard","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6902.2026","DOIUrl":"10.3357/AMHP.6902.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>An optimal spatial orientation is essential for pilots. Therefore, pilot applicants in the Royal Danish Air Force undergo various ear-nose-throat evaluations. It is recommended to avoid alcohol for a minimum of 24 h before evaluation. No recommendation has been made regarding nicotine and, with the increasing availability of nicotine through pouches and other products, it is therefore relevant to examine its impact on vestibular function, particularly on nystagmus, which plays a key role in clinical vestibular assessment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a structured literature search using PubMed and Cochrane Library as the primary databases in 2025 and 2026. The search strategy used a combination of keywords and MeSH terms and criteria for inclusion and exclusion were made.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 22 studies were included looking at nicotine's effect on the vestibular system. Overall, the studies showed an impact on the vestibular system and the induction of nystagmus through different delivery methods of nicotine. The effects of nicotine on nystagmus appear within minutes and can persist for up to 30 min, and nicotine blood concentrations are measurable more than 2 h after exposure.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>We suggest that pilot applicants be advised to abstain from nicotine products for a specified period of 12-24 h before undergoing ear-nose-throat examinations to minimize test interference. Further studies are needed to uncover the effect nicotine can have on in-flight performance. Kahlhofen N, Lindgaard K. Nicotine effects on vestibular function in pilot selection. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(8):638-643.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 8","pages":"638-643"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148652974","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ocular Management and Aeromedical Certification of Maxillary Squamous Cell Carcinoma.","authors":"Skylar K Krebsbach, Todd R Fredricks","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6867.2026","DOIUrl":"10.3357/AMHP.6867.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This case report details the diagnostic, therapeutic, and aeromedical trajectory of a 58-yr-old pilot diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma exhibiting perineural invasion and orbital floor involvement with treatment goal of return to flight. The malignancy presented with insidious symptoms of fascial swelling, numbness, and tingling, complicated by initial diagnostic anchoring bias. The patient had a relevant past medical history of squamous and basal cell carcinomas, including a Mohs micrographic surgery for a lesion on the left nares 10 yr prior.</p><p><strong>Case report: </strong>Treatment necessitated a total maxillectomy with multiple skin flaps, and orbital floor reconstruction initially using a titanium implant and later an autologous scapular bone graft. Postoperative management addressed complex ocular manifestations, including mechanical diplopia and inferior rectus muscle dysfunction, alongside the challenges caused by multiple skin-flap failures.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>From an aeromedical perspective, the case highlights the rigorous standards of the Federal Aviation Administration for First-Class medical certification, focusing on binocular fusion, visual acuity, and auditory thresholds. The report outlines the regulatory pathway for Special Issuance and the eventual return to flight duty, emphasizing the balance between aggressive oncological control and the preservation of critical sensory functions required for aviation safety. This case provides an example of a structured framework for managing high-stakes professional requirements in the context of advanced midfacial malignancy and complex reconstructive surgery. Krebsbach SK, Fredricks TR. Ocular management and aeromedical certification of maxillary squamous cell carcinoma. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(8):644-647.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 8","pages":"644-647"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148652953","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physiological and Subjective Assessment of Fighter Pilot Mental Workload.","authors":"Anna J C Reuten, Juliette Bruin, Wietse D Ledegang, Eric L Groen, Mark M J Houben, Erik-Jan Cornelisse, Charelle Bottenheft","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6875.2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.6875.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Next-generation air force operations increasingly depend on advanced flight systems, which raises questions about their impact on aircrew workload. Physiological measures enable continuous, objective, and unobtrusive assessments, overcoming some limitations of self-report measures. We investigated whether electroencephalogram, electrocardiogram, and electrodermal activity predicted subjective Rating Scale of Mental Effort (RSME) ratings of fighter pilots during an operationally relevant mission in an F-16 simulator.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The mission included three flight segments expected to induce increasingly higher workload, with a mathematical task of two arithmetic difficulty levels added to each segment. This approach allowed us to explore whether physiology distinguished workload both across and within flight segments.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Subjective ratings confirmed an increase in workload throughout the mission (ΔRSME = 22). However, our manipulation of arithmetic difficulty was less effective: neither subjective ratings nor arithmetic performance significantly differentiated simple and complex calculations (ΔRSME = 5; Δreaction time = 0.02 s, Δunsuccessful trials = 0.5). None of our physiological measures-frontal theta power (Δ0.08, Δ-0.07 mV), parietal alpha power (Δ-0.16, Δ0.14 mV), heart rate (Δ0.01, Δ-0.02 bpm), skin conductance response (Δ0.0, Δ0.0 mS), and skin conductance peaks (Δ0.3, Δ0.2)-systematically distinguished flight segments or arithmetic difficulty, respectively. Physiology also did not significantly predict subjective workload (R2 = 2.2%).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Large interindividual variability, use of workload management strategies, and relatively small task demand differences may explain the null results. Our study underscores the complexity of workload assessment in an operational setting and offers methodological insights that may inform future ecologically valid research. Reuten AJC, Bruin J, Ledegang WD, Groen EL, Houben MMJ, Cornelisse E-J, Bottenheft C. Physiological and subjective assessment of fighter pilot mental workload. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(8):592-600.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 8","pages":"592-600"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148652984","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Letter to the Editor re: Psychological Profile of Aviators and Flight Aspirants with High-Risk and Self-Harm Behavior.","authors":"Wg Cdr Ajay Kumar, Sowgandhi Chaturvedula","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6966.2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.6966.2026","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 8","pages":"651-652"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148652947","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}