Aerospace medicine and human performance最新文献

{"title":"Simulated Hearing Loss on Speech Recognition, Flight Performance, and Workload in Aviators.","authors":"Jennifer Noetzel, Paula Henry, Ryan Mackie, Kara Cave, J R Stefanson, J Kyle Hale, Kevin Andres, Heath Jones","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6570.2025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.6570.2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Hearing loss can compromise U.S. Army aviators' performance, safety, and situational awareness, resulting in increasing mental workload and listening effort. This study evaluated simulated hearing loss on performance and cognitive workload among Army aviators.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mixed-effects linear regression study design was used. A total of 21 aviators underwent clinical audiological testing and simulated flight performance assessments. Simulated hearing loss and workload were manipulated to investigate their effects on speech recognition, flight performance, and subjective workload. Flight simulator routes included normal hearing and simulated hearing loss conditions for both high and low workloads. Task load questionnaires were administered for subjective workload assessments and compared across conditions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Speech recognition scores decreased with increasing levels of hearing loss. In-flight speech intelligibility declined in high workload conditions, with a 26% decrease for mild hearing loss and a 40% decrease for severe hearing loss. High workload conditions degraded flight performance and response times to a secondary task which was exacerbated by simulated hearing loss. Workload scores validated increased workload with simulated hearing loss. No significant findings were observed on the hearing assessment.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Findings suggest hearing loss negatively impacts speech recognition and flight performance, especially under high workloads. These results support the importance of addressing hearing loss in aviators. Further research is needed to determine if the clinically adapted Modified Rhyme Test can reflect the impact of hearing loss on aviator performance. Noetzel J, Henry P, Mackie R, Cave K, Stefanson JR, Hale JK, Andres K, Jones H. Simulated hearing loss on speech recognition, flight performance, and workload in aviators. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(4):269-278.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"96 4","pages":"269-278"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144607120","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":"Pilot Performance on Original and Modified Attitude Indicators with and without Acute Stress.","authors":"Hao Jiang, Xu Liu, Xing Peng, Qi Zhu, Quanchuan Wang, Jiazhong Yang","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6542.2025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.6542.2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Spatial disorientation and stress pose significant threats to flight safety. The attitude indicator (AI) is crucial for pilots to maintain spatial orientation. This study aims to investigate pilot performance with the original and a modified AI under stress and nonstress conditions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>There were 52 pilots recruited and divided into a control group and a stress group. The stress group underwent the Trier Social Stress Test to induce acute stress, while the control group performed a nonstress task. Both groups then completed flight attitude recovery tasks using the original and a modified AI. The modified AI featured two white bars added around the original AI to enhance the display of the aircraft's attitude.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The stress group exhibited significantly higher heart rates (88.01 ± 14.03 bpm) and subjective anxiety scores (35.82 ± 9.41) compared to the control group (83.22 ± 6.57 bpm; 32.26 ± 5.81). In the control group, accuracy with the modified AI (94.9% ± 5.1%) was significantly higher than with the original AI (91.8% ± 6.6%). Additionally, the modified AI reduced pitch reversal errors and roll reversal errors. In the stress group, the modified AI increased accuracy for smaller initial pitch and bank angles and reduced roll reversal errors.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The addition of visual cues in the periphery of the AI improved performance under nonstressed conditions. Under stress, the visual cues enhanced accuracy for smaller pitch and bank angles and reduced roll reversal errors. These findings provide insights for the ergonomic design of cockpit instruments. Jiang H, Liu X, Peng X, Zhu Q, Wang Q, Yang J. Pilot performance on original and modified attitude indicators with and without acute stress. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(4):296-303.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"96 4","pages":"296-303"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144607071","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":"Potential Pulmonary Damage from Exposure to Composite Fibers in Helicopter Fires.","authors":"Monika Laugesen, Karsten Lindgaard","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6521.2025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.6521.2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Fiber-reinforced composites are widely used in the aircraft industry, including in helicopters. When exposed to fire, airborne fibers can be released from the composite and pose a risk to exposed humans-the fear being that it may pose a similar health hazard as asbestos fibers, particularly the pulmonary damage.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic literature review was performed in the PubMed database. Four search strings were made deliberately extensive to find relevant articles on the narrow subject.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The search resulted in a total of 330 titles. Of these, 73 abstracts were found relevant, of which 28 articles and finally 18 articles were included.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The health hazards of the different fiber types were found to be as follows: fiberglass has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as: \"Not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity in humans\", with no later studies indicating that decision as being inaccurate. Studies on p-aramid have found a transient pulmonary inflammatory response which is not present 1 mo after exposure. Carbon/graphite has not been thoroughly investigated, but temporary lung inflammation, reversible after 10 d, has been described. Studies have not agreed on the number of fibers released in a fire, but many factors play an important role as to how many are produced, such as high temperatures (>600-850°C), turbulence, and situations like pool fire and a flashover. The knowledge on long-term outcomes after short-term exposures of fibers is scarce, and studies following up victims from aircraft incidents and firefighters as well as next-in-line helpers would be highly relevant. Laugesen M, Lindgaard K. Potential pulmonary damage from exposure to composite fibers in helicopter fires. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(4):350-355.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"96 4","pages":"350-355"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144607072","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":"Rodent Model for High Altitude and Ebullism Exposure Studies.","authors":"Alejandro Garbino, Derek Nusbaum, Shawn Goughnour, Sawan Dalal, Maria-Vittoria G Carminati, Jonathan Clark","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6509.2025","DOIUrl":"10.3357/AMHP.6509.2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Ebullism is the pathophysiological process that occurs as a result of exposures to extremely low ambient pressures, traditionally below 47 mmHg (<0.9 psi, ∼63,000 ft/19,202 m equivalent). However, this field of research has made minimal progress since the 1940s-1960s, when the physiology of high altitude/space operations was being explored. This lack of progress is in part because it is thought of as invariably lethal and also because it requires unique facilities to simulate these environments. As a result, no standardized time/pressure profiles or animal models have been established.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A rodent animal model (N = 20) was exposed to rapid depressurization as low as 0.3 mmHg for up to 2 min; controls were placed in the chamber but not exposed to a pressure change. Autopsies were performed to characterize the pathophysiology of ebullism at extreme altitudes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A three-tiered pressure approach was developed that allows for varying degrees of exposure (pressure and time). Although previous studies focused on exposures above or below the Armstrong Line (∼63 kft), we noted significant thermal impacts due to exceeding the water triple point (∼120 kft).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This initial study highlights the different pathophysiological regimes that exist beyond Armstrong's line and subdivides ebullism exposures into two different classes, which can be operationally associated with cabin vs. suit depressurization events. These are now presented as Type A Complex Ebullism and Type B Simple Ebullism. The former is characterized by a combination of barotrauma, hypoxia, ebullism, and decompression sickness, while the latter presents as only ebullism. Garbino A, Nusbaum D, Goughnour S, Dalal S, Carminati M-VG, Clark J. Rodent model for high altitude and ebullism exposure studies. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(3):198-205.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"96 3","pages":"198-205"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143539879","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":"Cochlear Implants in Aviators.","authors":"David G Schall","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6468.2025","DOIUrl":"10.3357/AMHP.6468.2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Cochlear implants (CIs) have revolutionized the management of deafness. Combined with newborn screening, children are being identified earlier and rehabilitated with CIs, allowing them to be mainstreamed in the education system. The aviation community has begun to see a new generation of pilots who are now seeking careers in aviation with the use of CI.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A literature review using the Ovid Medline database was conducted. A search for airmen within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airman Medical Certification System with a diagnostic code for CIs was reviewed up to the year 2021.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There are no studies to date documenting airmen with CIs. The FAA has certified 42 airmen with Cis, including 10 with First Class Medical Certificates. Airmen with CIs have been able to successfully pursue careers in aviation from general aviation to commercial airline pilot in the United States.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>CIs are used for both bilateral and single-sided deafness and are becoming more prevalent within the general population. Applicants with CIs are now seeking careers in aviation in increasing numbers. The FAA has successfully certified airmen from Class III to Class I airline pilots. It requires appropriate evaluation and screening, including a medical flight test to document adequate communication, recognition of alarms within the cockpit, and the ability to communicate with air traffic control. Schall DG. Cochlear implants in aviators. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(3):260-263.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"96 3","pages":"260-263"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143539801","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":"Voluntary Incident Feedback in French Private Aviation.","authors":"Raphaël Demoulin, Christophe Stalars","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6574.2025","DOIUrl":"10.3357/AMHP.6574.2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>In private aviation, procedures for collecting feedback have been established to gather information about unsafe situations related to aircraft use. The REX FFA system, which stands for \"Feedback from the French Aeronautical Federation,\" allows French private pilots to report accidents, incidents, and hazardous events to increase flight safety.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study explores feedback from the REX FFA system to understand the human factors influencing flight safety. We retrospectively analyzed, using the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System, 150 reports submitted between September 2023 and February 2024. Key lessons were also extracted from each report.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most incidents (64%) involved human factors. Using the HFACS model, we identified 99 unsafe acts, 150 preconditions for unsafe acts, 21 instances of unsafe supervision, and 24 organizational failures. Skill-based errors were the most common unsafe act. Key lessons emphasized the importance of proactive visual scanning, thorough flight preparation, and strict adherence to checklists.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This study highlights the predominance of human error in general aviation incidents. The data collected through the REX FFA system suggest it could be an effective educational tool, enabling pilots to share and learn from their experiences and providing valuable data for proactive corrective measures. Promoting similar systems dedicated to recreational private aviation could further benefit general aviation safety worldwide. Demoulin R, Stalars C. Voluntary incident feedback in French private aviation. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(3):228-233.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"96 3","pages":"228-233"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143539896","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":"Enlarged Foramen Ovale-Caused Meningeal Bulge in a Pilot.","authors":"Jia Zhai, Shulin Liu, Di Gao, Yongjie Yao","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6565.2025","DOIUrl":"10.3357/AMHP.6565.2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Meningocele results from a defect in the skull base bone, causing meningeal prolapse. Clinical manifestations of meningocele are often nonspecific and prone to misdiagnosis. Inadequate treatment may lead to severe complications, including cerebrospinal fluid leakage, meningitis, or, in rare cases, epilepsy, thereby posing significant risks to patients involved in aerospace operations. Historically, meningocele cases have predominantly been reported in fetuses and infants, with limited analysis and documentation focused on adults, particularly aviation pilots.</p><p><strong>Case report: </strong>During a routine annual physical examination, a male student pilot was found to have an enlarged right foramen ovale accompanied by meningocele. Imaging via 3T magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans revealed a tubular, beaded cystic formation in the right parapharyngeal space, indicating meningocele with an enlarged right foramen ovale and confirming its location at the right middle cranial base. Given the structural abnormality, it was assessed that the pilot is unsuitable for exposure to high acceleration forces. Consequently, he was restricted to operating non-high-performance aircraft, such as bombers, helicopters, and carrier-based aircraft.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Treatment and flight duty determinations for affected pilots must consider individual case specifics. In this instance, the absence of pre-examination symptoms suggested minimal clinical severity, negating the need for surgical intervention. To ensure both flight safety and pilot health, thorough pre-enlistment physical screenings and ongoing assessments throughout a pilot's career are crucial for accurately evaluating physical readiness. Zhai J, Liu S, Gao D, Yao Y. Enlarged foramen ovale-caused meningeal bulge in a pilot. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(3):251-254.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"96 3","pages":"251-254"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143539803","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":"Building a Stronger AsMA - Best Practices for Committee Chairs, Deputies, and Members.","authors":"Robert Orford","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.963PP.2025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.963PP.2025","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"96 3","pages":"189-190"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143539793","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":"Incidental Findings on MRI Brain Imaging in Pilots from the Canadian White Matter Hyperintensity Study.","authors":"Sharef Danho, Joan Saary","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6388.2025","DOIUrl":"10.3357/AMHP.6388.2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Incidental neuroanatomical findings are commonly identified during brain MRI completed clinically, for research, or for other purposes, including aircrew screening. Such findings range from benign to pathological and some may be disqualifying for flight duties. We present a series of cases with incidental neuroanatomical findings identified in Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF) aircrew during the Canadian White Matter Hyperintensity research study, and the subsequent aeromedical evaluation undertaken to manage them. Our study group performed 48 brain MRI scans on 42 RCAF pilots and 6 aviation physiology technicians and parajumpers. Participants were men ages 25-70 with a mean age of 39.</p><p><strong>Case series: </strong>Incidental neuroanatomical findings were detected in four pilots, with six distinct findings (four vascular abnormalities, one arachnoid cyst, and one nonspecific nodule). All cases were asymptomatic. After evaluation of the findings of each case by a medical consortium, including an aeromedical neurologist, all pilots were cleared for ongoing duties with no restrictions.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The rate and nature of incidental findings in RCAF members in the White Matter Hyperintensity Study is consistent with that found in both the general population and in other military pilot populations. There is no international standard for screening or management of incidental findings; therefore, we recommend an approach that involves a case-by-case evaluation of the findings by a multidisciplinary medical team, with careful identification and consideration for high-risk features. Danho S, Saary J. Incidental findings on MRI brain imaging in pilots from the Canadian White Matter Hyperintensity Study. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(3):255-259.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"96 3","pages":"255-259"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143539871","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":"Risk vs. Benefit Analysis of Ultraviolet-C Advanced Aircraft Disinfection.","authors":"Gary R Allen, William D Mills, Diego M Garcia","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6351.2025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.6351.2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This work provides details and references that help to quantify the benefits of using ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light for air disinfection in aircraft vs. the risk of overexposure to UV-C for passengers and crew. The analysis estimates that due to the combined transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 and Influenza A aboard commercial aircraft in the United States over the 3 yr through May 2023, there were on the order of 10,000 annual deaths, declining to 3,000/yr going forward, with an estimated annual economic burden of $200 billion. Up to 80% of the deaths and economic burden might be saved by supplementing the typical 30 air changes per hour of the aircraft ventilation system with a presently available 120 air changes per hour, using a UV-C disinfection system. The risks due to accidental overexposure to UV-C are orders of magnitude lower than the benefits. The 0.00003% risk of acute (one-time) overexposure for any given passenger may (or may not) result in a 1-2-day skin or eye irritation, with no long-term effects or risks, compared to the 15,000 times greater risk, at 0.5%, of contracting coronavirus disease 19 or Influenza A that persists for several days to weeks, and carries a risk of hospitalization or death. The estimated risk of non-melanoma skin cancer is virtually nil. Allen GR, Mills WD, Garcia DM. Risk vs. benefit analysis of ultraviolet-C advanced aircraft disinfection. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(3S):A1-A32.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"96 3S","pages":"A1-A32"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144607115","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}