Effects of 8-hour Simulated Flight on Cognitive Function and Performance of Volunteers

Objective. To study the effects of 8-h simulated flight task on cognitive function and performance of volunteers, and to evaluate the workload of simulated flight. Methods. The subjects started the simulated flight at 9 am and continued to operate for 8 h to complete the simulated flight task. The flight control ability, reaction time, motion time, critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF) and subjective scale were measured. Workload evaluation indicators were detected before, half and after the simulated flight. Results. There were no significant differences in reaction time, motion time, critical flicker fusion frequency and Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS) between before, half and after the simulated flight. Compared with preflight, the rating of perceived exertion scale (RPE) scores was significantly increased after 8-h simulated flight. There was no significant difference in the ability of simulated flight control between preflight and postflight. Conclusions. There was no significant effect on the cognitive function and performance of volunteers during the 8-h simulated flight task in the daytime.