Human reactions to environmental changes have been the subject of numerous investigations related to pathophysiology, aviation psychology, aviation, and sports. The present study aimed at evaluating the perception of light stimulus via the Critical Flicker Fusion threshold (CFF) measurements among aviation pilots. The study was carried out under hypoxic conditions corresponding to 5000 m altitude, for a period of 30 min, without the use of supplemental oxygen. Fourteen volunteer pilots, 23-30 years of age, were examined in the hypobaric chamber (HC). The measurements were performed at normobaria and at the initial and final phase of hypoxia. Heart rate (HR) and blood oxygen saturation (SaO2) were monitored. The high altitude hypoxia was found to produce a decrease in the CFF threshold F(3.39) = 3.207, p < 0.05, and SaO2 F(3.39) = 52.651, p < 0.001, as well as HR increase F(3.39) = 7.356, p < 0.001. The results indicate that the higher the decrease in SaO2 under hypoxic conditions, the higher the decrease in CFF r = .567 p < 0.05. Likewise, the higher the increase in HR, the higher the decrease in CFF r = -0.491 p < 0.05. Under hypoxic conditions, the perceptual ability of the pilots is gradually decreasing. This has been confirmed by the findings of the physiological examinations. The authors express an opinion that it would be advisable to introduce CFF measurement into the hypobaric chamber tests as it allows individual assessment of the pilot's perceptual ability under conditions of incomplete physiological compensation of the high altitude hypoxia.

Neck pain and lower back pain are commonly reported by military pilots. That is why the answers to the following questions are important: (1) which part of the back (neck or lumbar spine) is more likely to be painful in military pilots as a result of high G-force, and (2) what intervention methods do pilots use as countermeasures for back pain resulting from high G-force? To answer these questions, the literature was searched in the following online databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, and Embase. A meta-analysis of eleven studies on pain in the neck–spine in fighter pilots vs. transport pilots showed pooled pulled OR = 1.69 (95% CI 1.25 to 2.29, I² = 32%, p-value = 0.21); this outcome is consistent with most of the published results. A meta-analysis of five studies on pain in the lumbar spine (lower back) did not show a difference between fighter pilots vs. transport pilots with OR = 1 (95% CI 0.83 to 1.19, I² = 0%, p-value = 0.96). The meta-analysis showed that of the two spinal segments evaluated, it was the cervical spine that showed more soreness in tactical fighter pilots. Prevention of lumbar and neck injuries should be combined with individual lumbar and neck support, as well as increasing back muscle strength through training.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors can be categorized as non-modifiable and modifiable. Modifiable risk factors include some exogenous and behavioral factors that can be easily modified, whereas endogenous modifiable risk factors, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, or obesity may be modified to a limited extend. An increased prevalence of CVDs as well as their risk factors have been observed in military personnel, as specific military-related stressors are highly correlated with acute cardiac disorders. Military pilots are a subpopulation with great CVD risk due to an accumulation of different psychological and physical stressors also considered to be CVD risk factors. This review presents data concerning CVD risk in military professionals, with a special emphasis on military pilots and crew members. We also discuss the usefulness of novel indicators related to oxidative stress, inflammation, or hormonal status as well as genetic factors as markers of CVD risk. For a correct and early estimation of CVD risk in asymptomatic soldiers, especially if no environmental risk factors coexist, the scope of performed tests should be increased with novel biomarkers. An indication of risk group among military professional, especially military pilots, enables the implementation the early preventive activities, which will prolong their state of health and military suitability.

INTRODUCTION: Pilots’ vision and flight performance may be impeded by spatial disorientation and high altitude hypoxia. The Coriolis illusion affects both orientation and vision. However, the combined effect of simultaneous Coriolis illusion and hypoxia on saccadic eye movement has not been evaluated.METHOD: A simulated flight was performed by 14 experienced pilots under 3 conditions: once under normal oxygen partial pressure and twice under reduced oxygen partial pressures, reflecting conditions at 5000 m and 6000 m (16,404 and 19,685 ft), respectively. Eye movements were evaluated with a saccadometer.RESULTS: At normal oxygen pressure, Coriolis illusion resulted in 55% and 31% increases in mean saccade amplitude and duration, respectively, but a 32% increase in mean saccade frequency was only noted for saccades smaller than the angular distance between cockpit instruments, suggesting an increase in the number of correction saccades. At lower oxygen pressures a pronounced increase in the standard deviation of all measures was noticed; however, the pattern of changes remained unchanged.DISCUSSION: Simple measures of saccadic movement are not affected by short-term hypoxia, most likely due to compensatory mechanisms.Kowalczuk KP, Gazdzinski SP, Janewicz M, Gąsik M, Lewkowicz R, Wyleżoł M. Hypoxia and Coriolis illusion in pilots during simulated flight. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(2):108–113.

Lower body negative pressure (LBNP) is a method derived from space medicine, which in recent years has been increasingly used by clinicians to assess the efficiency of the cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms. LBNP with combined tilt testing is considered as an effective form of training to prevent orthostatic intolerance. We have developed a prototype system comprising a tilt table and LBNP chamber, and tested it in the context of the feasibility of the device for assessing the pilots’ efficiency. The table allows for controlled tilting in the range from −45 to +80° at the maximum change rate of 45°/s. The LBNP value can smoothly be adjusted down to −100 mmHg at up to 20 mmHg/s. 17 subjects took part in the pilot study. A 24-minute scenario included −100 mmHg supine LBNP, head up tilt (HUT) and −60 mmHg LBNP associated with HUT, separated by resting phases. The most noticeable changes were observed in stroke volume (SV). During supine LBNP, HUT and the combined stimulus, a decrease of the SV value by 20%, 40% and below 50%, respectively, were detected. The proposed system can map any pre-programed tilt and LBNP profiles, and the pilot study confirmed the efficiency of performing experimental procedures.

Physiological effects of +Gz centrifugation are well known. Psychological functioning combined with +Gz centrifugation also appears to be important, but has not yet been sufficiently studied. This study was designed to evaluate whether mood (energetic arousal, tense arousal, and hedonic tone) is influenced by a centrifuge run with +Gz stress. We examined subjects' mood four times: 2 h prior to the centrifuge run, 2 min before and after centrifugation, and again 30 min afterwards. Energetic arousal (EA), tense arousal (TA), and hedonic tone (HT) assessments were conducted by the self-reported UWIST Mood Adjective Check List (UMACL). Centrifugation explained 31.6% of EA and 56.9% of TA variance. EA level increased 2 min before centrifugation and remained so until the last measurement. TA was high 2 h prior to the centrifuge run, rose sharply 2 min before centrifugation, and lowered considerably after cessation of the run. The HT level was stable throughout all measurements. The centrifuge run with +Gz acceleration may evoke changes in arousal, but not in subjective enjoyment. Alterations in arousal levels triggered by centrifugation were positive, increasing energy and reducing tension.