The effect of hypoxia on the selective attention and reaction time among army pilots in the flight simulator of an altitude chamber

Hypoxia is a potential danger for aviation affairs and the lack of attention to it causes both human and financial costs. One of the main effects of hypoxia is reduction in mental efficiency. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of hypoxia on hypoxic psychological aspects (selective attention and reaction time) among pilots as well as changes in heart rate and blood oxygen levels in the flight simulator of an altitude chamber.

Totally, 53 pilots referred to the altitude chamber at the air physiology center of IRAF were randomly entered the study within 10 months. Initially, the study protocol was described to them. A percentage of arterial oxygen saturation and heart rate and Stroop computer task under normal condition (class) were recorded. Then, in the hypoxic conditions (height 25000 feet) the same items were checked, recorded, and finally analyzed statistically.

The results of this study showed that hypoxia increases the reaction time and heart rate in the pilots. Also, it reduced pilots' selective attention and blood oxygen levels. All of the mentioned items were statistically significant.

Hypoxia can prolong the response time in the pilots and also disturbs their selective attention and increases the risk of accidents. The importance of this issue in fighter aircraft, which is controlled by one or two pilots, can be much more than in a cargo aircraft. Therefore, hypoxia training in the altitude chamber and attention to its psychological aspects can play an important role in correct and on time recognition of the hypoxia and safety of flights