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MUDr. Boris Oniščenko

2026, Applied Ergonomics, 133, ISSN 1872-9126

The somatogravic illusion, a vestibular misperception caused by linear acceleration in the absence of visual cues, poses a significant safety risk during flight, particularly under instrument meteorological conditions. Despite its operational relevance, current pilot training programs emphasize theoretical instruction and lack practical exposure to such illusions. This study aimed to assess the behavioral effects of the somatogravic illusion in a controlled simulator environment and to evaluate the potential for adaptation through repeated exposure. A total of 114 pilots were assigned to four groups based on IFR experience. Each participant completed two simulator sessions one week apart, each comprising flights with and without induced somatogravic illusions. Illusion induction was achieved using cabin pitch motion within a fixed-base disorientation trainer. Altitude trajectories during the illusion interval were extracted, L2-normalized, and analyzed using principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering. Cluster transitions were evaluated to identify adaptation patterns. Post-exposure questionnaires assessed perceptual awareness and training utility. Illusion exposure caused systematic suppression of climb performance, independent of IFR experience. Unsupervised clustering revealed two dominant trajectory patterns corresponding to affected and unaffected responses. In the second session, 32% of previously affected pilots transitioned to the unaffected cluster, indicating behavioral adaptation. Perceptual awareness of the illusion remained low (23%-29%), yet 95.6% of participants endorsed the inclusion of vestibular illusion scenarios in IFR training. Controlled simulator exposure to the somatogravic illusion elicits measurable disruptions in altitude control that are not mitigated by experience alone but can improve with brief, repeated exposure. The findings support the integration of illusion-focused modules into early instrument training to enhance resilience to spatial disorientation. The use of fixed-base simulators for such training is feasible and well-received by pilots.

2025, 2025 New Trends in Aviation Development (NTAD), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)), p. 94-99), ISBN 979-8-3315-8792-5, ISSN 2836-2764

Hypoxia represents a significant concern in aviation safety. Numerous studies have examined its impact on cognitive performance and other aspects of human functioning, but only a limited number have addressed its effects on balance, which involves multisensory integration and contributes to postural stability. A PRISMA-based literature search confirmed that evidence in this area remains scarce. Consequently, an experimental study was conducted to investigate the influence of hypoxic conditions on postural stability in pilots. Eleven licensed pilots were exposed to normobaric hypoxia, induced by breathing a reduced-oxygen gas mixture at ambient pressure, simulating an altitude of 4572 m(15000 ft). The experiment involved two simulated flights under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, while postural stability was assessed before, between, and after the flights using a balance board. Several parameters derived from center of pressure (COP) displacement in both one- and two-dimensional analyses were evaluated. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA (rANOVA) followed by post-hoc testing.The results did not reveal consistent statistically significant effects of hypoxia on postural stability. Significant differences were observed only in mediolateral parameters (SD-ML and ROM-ML) when aggregated across sensory conditions, but no effects were found when conditions were examined individually. Within the limitations of the small sample size, single simulated altitude, and short exposure duration, the study concludes that acute mild hypoxia at 4572 m(15000 ft) does not measurably impair basic postural stability in pilots.

2024, International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 104, ISSN 0169-8141

Mild hypoxia in aviation is a well-known phenomenon that affects flight safety, particularly in general aviation. Experimental research on its influence on performance and physiological response has been limited, often yielding contradictory results. This study aimed to deepen the understanding of mild hypoxia's effects on pilots' physiological responses and performance. A systematic review was conducted to synthesize existing knowledge and assess the consistency and generalizability of previous findings. Novel empirical data were then obtained through an experiment designed to focus on cardiac activity and performance under mild hypoxic conditions. Twelve male active military pilots participated in the experiment, which involved two simulated flights under controlled conditions. Unlike previous studies, which have varied significantly in methodology and outcomes, this study employed an approach to isolate the effects of mild hypoxia while simultaneously approximating real flight conditions by using a full flight simulator and a reduced oxygen breathing device. The experiment did not indicate significant performance degradation, while compensatory mechanisms in cardiac activity were observed, specifically in the form of increased heart rate and heart rate variability. These findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge by providing a more consistent methodological framework and highlighting the physiological adaptations to mild hypoxia, serving as a foundation for further investigation into the relationship between mild hypoxia, pilot performance, and physiological response.

2022, 2022 New Trends in Civil Aviation (NTCA), Praha, České vysoké učení technické v Praze), p. 205-209), ISBN 978-80-01-06985-1, ISSN 2694-7854

Due to the characteristics of their professional environment, pilots can be exposed to hypoxia. In this case, hypoxia is caused by a low partial oxygen pressure, which results in inferior oxygen saturation and transport ability. Altitude, the amount of time spent under hypoxic conditions, physical activity, individual response, and health conditions influence the severity of hypoxia and her symptoms. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) primarily affects the respiratory system and the disease itself causes hypoxia. Although COVID-19 influenced the entire population and caused a 2-year pandemic, all the consequences of experiencing the disease are not yet known. To find the possible impact of COVID-19 on the hypoxic state in pilots, an experiment was designed using simulated flights under simulated hypoxic conditions. Breathing activity and oxygen saturation were monitored. The results show that there is a significant difference in respiratory rate and saturation between the normoxic and hypoxic states, but the impact of the disease was not confirmed. The paper presents the concept of monitoring the effect of hypoxia on respiratory rate and oxygen saturation in both pilots who experienced and who have not experienced COVID-19 and can help expand the knowledge base for further research in this area.