Heart rate variability (HRV) and performance response during emergency flight maneuvers were analyzed. Two expert pilots (ages 35 and 33) and two rookie pilots (ages 25) from the Portuguese Air Force participated in this case–control report study. Participants had to complete the following emergency protocols in a flight simulator: (1) take-off engine failure, (2) flight engine failure close to the base, (3) flight engine failure far away from the base, and (4) alternator failure. The HRV was collected during all these maneuvers, as well as the performance data (the time it took to go through the emergency protocol and the subjective information from the flight simulator operator). Results regarding autonomic modulation showed a higher sympathetic response during the emergency maneuvers when compared to baseline. In some cases, there was also a higher sympathetic response during the emergency maneuvers when compared with the take-off protocol. Regarding performance data, the expert pilots accomplished the missions in less time than the rookie pilots. Autonomic modulation measured from HRV through portable devices can easily relay important information. This information is relevant since characterizing these maneuvers can provide helpful information to design training strategies to improve those psychophysiological responses.

Introduction: In today’s military landscape, optimizing performance and bolstering physical health and mental resilience are critical objectives. Introducing a 12-week Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Supta Method (AVYSM) to the training protocol of military trained Airforce pilots, we aim to assesses the feasibility and impact of the method.Materials and equipment: Borg Scale assesses the intensity level of physical activity during the intervention. Flight simulator data gauges operational performance responses. Postural control responses are measured using a force platform, stress responses are monitored via heart monitor, and handgrip dynamometry will measure strength. Respiratory capacity is assessed using a spirometer, body composition is evaluated using impedance balance, and aviation-related questionnaires are administered before and after the intervention period.Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, the totality of pilots from the “Masters in Military Aeronautics: aviator pilot specialist” course at the Portuguese Air Force Academy (PAA) were randomly assigned to the yoga intervention or the waiting list control groups, with participants providing written informed consent. The control group followed protocolized course classes for 12 weeks, while the intervention group integrated two weekly one-hour yoga sessions into their course.Results: The PAA has approved the implementation of this intervention protocol at Airbase 11 in Beja, highlighting its significance for the organization’s policy makers. We hypothesize that this method will enhance operational performance and, subsequently, elevate flight safety.Discussion: This research’s potential extends beyond the PAA, as it can be adapted for use in Airforce departments of other nations and various military contexts.Clinical trial registration: Évora University research ethics committee—approval number 21050. Study registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT05821270, registered on April 19, 2023.

This study examined the effects of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Supta on Center of Pressure (CoP) displacement in healthy student pilots, using the Biosignals Plux force platform, under the premise that yoga would lead to improvements in postural control responses. CoP response was analyzed by the Plux (Portugal) one-dimensional force platform. A total of 18 military pilots participated in this study. The pilots were in their Portuguese Air Force Academy course “Masters in Military Aeronautics: Aviator Pilot Specialist,” also called Tirocinium. Participants were randomly assigned to yoga classes (intervention group) or a waiting list (control group) and completed a flight emergency protocol in a flight simulator. CoP displacement was collected before and after all these maneuvers had been completed and both measures occurred before (baseline values) and after a 12-week yoga program. Although the differences observed between groups are not significant, after calculating the effect size, we can theorize that the intervention group maintains CoP displacement before and after flight and the control group has a higher CoP displacement after flight simulation. CoP information collected through noninvasive portable devices such as the Biosignals Plux force platform can relay important information quickly and easily. Knowing under what circumstances pilots are affected can then lead to development or enhancement of training strategies to improve those psychophysiological responses. In this study the effects, while not significant, are present, so it may be necessary to add more weeks of training to make the yoga program effective.