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MUDr. Boris Oniščenko

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.