Study on the Workload of 12 h Simulated Flight Continuously Across Day and Night

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the workload of 12 h simulated long-haul flight continuously across day and night. Methods: Six healthy male young volunteers, aged from 19 to 21 years, were trained in simulated flight and skilled in operating flight simulation software before the experiment. Subjects began the simulated flight every day at 20:00 and lasted for 12 h that ended at 8:00. Subjects flew for three consecutive days and slept at least 6 h during the day. Workload evaluation indicators were tested before and after simulated flights on the first, second, and third days, respectively. Reaction time (RT), motion time (MT), critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF), Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS), and rating of perceived exertion scale (RPE) were measured. Results: RT increased after simulated flights on the second and third days, but there was no significant difference between before and after flights. MT increased after the first and second days of simulated flight, but the difference was statistically significant only after the first day of flight. There was no significant difference in CFF between before and after three consecutive days of simulated flight. SSS and RPE scores were significantly increased after 12 h simulated flight for three consecutive days. Conclusions: 12 h simulated long-haul flight continuously across day and night could aggravate the flight workload and heavy fatigue.