Psychophysiological response of military pilots in different combat flight maneuvers in a flight simulator

Objective: To analyze the psychophysiological response during takeoff, landing, air-air attack and air-ground maneuvers. Methods: A total of 11 expert pilots (age=33.36 (5.37)) from Spanish Air Force participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants had to complete a flight simulator following missions: 1) takeoff; 2) Air-air attack; 3) Air-Ground attack, 4) Landing. The electroencephalographic activity (EEG) heart rate variability (HRV) were collected all these Results: Significant higher values theta (during attack) EEG power spectrum obtained when compared baseline. difference P3 scalp location was observed between landing takeoff maneuvers beta spectrum. Furthermore, significant lower HRV baseline values. Also, showed sympathetic maneuver. Conclusion: Takeoff, or performed produced changes autonomic modulation professional pilots. Beta modifications suggest that induced more attentional resources than takeoff. In same line, reduced These results should be considered training purposes.