Stress and Workload Assessment in Aviation—A Narrative Review

Abstract

In aviation, any detail can have massive consequences. Among the potential sources of failure, human error is still the most troublesome to handle. Therefore, research concerning the management of mental workload, attention, and stress is of special interest in aviation. Recognizing conditions in which a pilot is over-challenged or cannot act lucidly could avoid serious outcomes. Furthermore, knowing in depth a pilot’s neurophysiological and cognitive–behavioral responses could allow for the optimization of equipment and procedures to minimize risk and increase safety. Furthermore, it could translate into a general enhancement of both the physical and mental well-being of pilots, producing a healthier and more ergonomic work environment. This review brings together literature on the study of stress and workload in the specific case of pilots of both civil and military aircraft. The most common approaches for studying these phenomena in the avionic context are explored in this review, with a focus on objective methodologies (e.g., the collection and analysis of neurophysiological signals). This review aims to identify the pros, cons, and applicability of the various approaches, to enable the design of an optimal protocol for a comprehensive study of these issues.

Should the existing science of teams be applied to fluid teams? An exploration of fluid team effectiveness within the context of healthcare simulation

“…Likewise, Rashid and Zimring (2008) conducted a review of environmental conditions that can produce stress in healthcare workers, and several factors were similar to the themes we observed, including noise and the configuration of the room they worked within. Physical stressors such as noise, high altitudes, and extreme temperatures are also likely prevalent in fluid teams that operate within other contexts such as aviation and military settings ( Flood and Keegan, 2022 ; Masi et al, 2023 ). However, it is important to note that findings related to physical stressors will likely not generalize to all types of fluid teams, such as those in engineering or product development teams.…”

Correction: Masi et al. Stress and Workload Assessment in Aviation—A Narrative Review. Sensors 2023, 23, 3556

“…The published publication [ 1 ] had an error regarding Lorenzo Priano’s affiliation. In addition to affiliation 1, the updated affiliation should also include affiliation 4: Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Department of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, S. Giuseppe Hospital, Oggebbio (Piancavallo), 28824 Verbania, Italy.…”

EEG-based hierarchical classification of level of demand and modality of auditory and visual sensory processing

“…Key to developing a pBCI is the ability to reliably detect the different mental states of interest, and research has been done toward detecting such states as fatigue [1,2], attention [3][4][5], stress [6,7], and various emotions [8][9][10][11]. Among the most researched states in pBCI research is mental workload, due to its relevance in many applications, including improving workplace safety in high-risk environments.…”