PubMed · 15497370
EEG and ECG changes during selected flight sequences.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mental workload has become a critical factor in the design and use of modern aircraft. Because of the complexity of the human-machine system, it is necessary to determine workload, fatigue, and level of performance using noninvasive electrophysiological measures. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to identify the electrophysiological indicators of mental workload during piloting tasks. METHODS: Electroencephalographic (EEG) and electrocardiographic (ECG) activity was recorded during actual flight, with a profile planned to produce different levels of mental workload. RESULTS: In-flight EEG and ECG recordings enabled us to document mental workload levels. During active segments, delta and theta band activity increased (p < 0.05 or greater); results showed an increase of 22.5% for theta band activity during active flight segments compared with in-flight rest periods. Inversely, alpha band activity diminished: the decrease between ground baseline and all flight sequences was 30% (p < 0.05 or greater). These variations were reversed during the in-flight rest sequences. Instrumental flight caused an increase in the theta and alpha frequency band activity in the parietal-occipital area (p < 0.05 or greater); the alpha/beta ratio also increased. Heart rate increased during the active segments and fell during the in-flight rest periods. The mean difference between active segments and in-flight rest periods was of 8.89 bpm (i.e., an increase of 11.5%; p < 0.01). Heart rate was correlated to the EEG activity of the delta and beta bands in the central area (C3, Cz, C4, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The electrophysiological measures recorded provide useful indicators of the mental workload required by different flight sequences.
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Caroline Dussault, Jean-Claude Jouanin, Charles-Yannick Guezennec. 2004. EEG and ECG changes during selected flight sequences.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15497370/
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