Cerebral oxygenation and perfusion kinetics monitoring of military aircrew at high G using novel fNIRS wearable system.

Introduction: Real-time physiological episode (PE) detection and management in aircrew operating high-performance aircraft (HPA) is crucial for the US Military. This paper addresses the unique challenges posed by high acceleration (G-force) in HPA aircrew and explores the potential of a novel wearable functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system, named NIRSense Aerie, to continuously monitor cerebral oxygenation during high G-force exposure.

Methods: The NIRSense Aerie system is a flight-optimized, wearable fNIRS device designed to monitor tissue oxygenation 13-20 mm below the skin's surface.

Cognitive Deterioration in Moderate and Severe Hypobaric Hypoxia Conditions.

Background: Hypoxia continues to present risks in military aviation. Hypoxia symptoms include sensory and cognitive effects; of these, it is important to identify which components of operator performance are most vulnerable to hypoxia-induced decline in order to determine which sensory modality is most effective for alerting an impaired aviator of an imminent hypoxic episode.

Methods: A study was performed in a hypobaric chamber to characterize deterioration of cognitive performance under moderate (MH) and severe (SH) hypoxia conditions, culminating in subjects' inability to perform tasks.

Lasers' spectral and temporal profile can affect visual glare disability.

Introduction: Experiments measured the effects of laser glare on visual orientation and motion perception. Laser stimuli were varied according to spectral composition and temporal presentation as subjects identified targets' tilt (Experiment 1) and movement (Experiment 2). The objective was to determine whether the glare parameters would alter visual disruption.

Using the Freiburg Acuity and Contrast Test to measure visual performance in USAF personnel after PRK.

Purpose: Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) may be an alternative to spectacle and contact lens wear for United States Air Force (USAF) aircrew and may offer some distinct advantages in operational situations. However, any residual corneal haze or scar formation from PRK could exacerbate the disabling effects of a bright glare source on a complex visual task. The USAF recently completed a longitudinal clinical evaluation of the long-term effects of PRK on visual performance, including the experiment described herein.