Postural Control and Psychophysical State Following of Flight Simulator Session in Novice Pilots

Abstract

Flight simulators can cause side effects usually called simulator sickness. Scientific research proves that postural instability can be an indicator of the occurrence of simulator sickness symptoms. This study aims to assess changes of postural control and psychophysical state in novice pilots following 2-h exposure to simulator conditions. The postural sway was quantified based on variables describing the displacement of the Center of Pressure (COP) generated in a quiet stance with eyes open (EO) and closed (EC). The psychophysical state was assessed using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ). The research was carried out in a group of 24 novice pilots who performed procedural and emergency flight exercises in the simulator at Instrument Meteorological Conditions. Each subject was examined twice: immediately before the simulator session (pre-exposure test), and just after the session (post-exposure test). The differences in postural stability between pre- and post-exposure to simulator conditions were assessed based on the normalized Romberg quotients, calculated for individual variables. The lower median values of all Romberg quotients confirmed the decreasing difference between the measures with eyes open and with eyes closed in the post-exposure tests. After the flight simulator session in both measurements (EO and EC) the values of the length of sway path (SP), the mean amplitude (MA), the sway area (SA) have changed. The visual contribution to postural sway control was reduced. The median values for all SSQ scores (total, nausea, oculomotor, and disorientation scales) were significantly higher in post-exposure tests. The largest increase was noted in the oculomotor SSQ scores (from 7.6 ± 7.6 to 37.9 ± 26.5). Over 50% of pilots participating in this study expressed symptoms typical of simulator sickness connected with visual induction: fatigue, eyestrain, difficulty focusing and difficulty concentrating. The severity of oculomotor and disorientation symptoms were rated as moderate (total SSQ score of more than 25 and <60). This study concludes that changes noted in the postural control and psychophysical state of the studied pilots after exposure to the flight simulator confirm the occurrence of the simulator sickness symptoms. Although, we did not find significant correlation of postural stability with SSQ scores.

Case Study of the Psychophysical State of Student-Operators During UAVO Training, Based on Heart Rate Parameter

“…Taking into account the impact of the human factor on the safety of air operations, it is also worth paying attention to the pilot/operator error in the context of unmanned aerial vehicle operations. In the literature on this subject, studies on task load and psychophysical state are mainly focused on pilots [13][14][15][16]1,18] and air traffic control operators [22]. These studies also often deal with errors resulting from cooperation between flight crews [19].…”

The effects of a 12-week yoga program on the CoP of military pilots before and after a flight emergency simulation using Biosignals Plux force platform

“…Flight simulators also make it possible to practice in adverse conditions and experience SD, malfunction of navigation instruments, power losses, loss of control of the aircraft, confusion, illusion of references, illusion of the effect of black holes, and other circumstances that would be dangerous and even catastrophic if piloting a real flight. 5,6 Human exposure to virtual environments can have specific side effects. Some of them are a natural adaptation response related to habituation processes, others are classified as sickness signs and symptoms.…”

“…The phenomena of wich we are currently aware are motion sickness without real motion or a group of specific psychophysical ailments that may be experienced as a side effect during and after exposure to simulator trainingboth static and dynamic. [6][7][8] In addition to the feeling of general discomfort, the simulator's environment can cause nausea, oculomotor symptoms, and disorientation. It is believed that any disturbance in balance, coordination and motor control resulting from simulator training exposure may imply a safety concern for pilots who need to walk, climb stairs, drive, or fly after a simulator training session.…”

“…The problems considered of most concern are the after-exposure effects, such as illusory sensations of climbing and turning, perceived inversions of the visual field, and impaired motor control manifested by postural instability, postural unsteadiness, or postural imbalance. Following a simulated flight, pilots who experience such sickness symptoms may be grounded for up to 24 h. 6,[9][10][11] Previous research confirms simulator sickness assesmnets should consider the interaction of four components of the equilibrium system (visual, vestibular, proprioceptive, and foot support). Because the same four components play a key role in the process of maintaining balance in a standing position, the postural instability or ataxia can indicate the occurrence of simulator sickness symptoms.…”

“…Surprisingly, little research has been conducted so far in military context, using a simulator or virtual reality paired with a force or stabilometric platform which allows analysis of CoP displacement. 6,[12][13][14][15][16][17] SD in a simulated environment arises mainly due to oculo-vestibular and oculo non-vestibular conflicts. In some cases, SD develops due to inter-sensory conflicts.…”