Real-Time Neurophysiological and Subjective Indices of Cognitive Engagement in High-Speed Flight

Introduction: Managing cognitive demand is critical for aviation safety. Yet, accurately assessing pilot workload during complex flight maneuvers remains challenging. This study evaluated an integrated methodology combining real-time cognitive engagement indicators to provide a comprehensive assessment and assess the reliability of physiological and subjective measures for monitoring operator state.

Methods: Six experienced U.S. Army rotary-wing pilots completed simulated high-workload flight scenarios like low-altitude, reconnaissance, and air threat avoidance maneuvers. Continuous wireless electroencephalography (EEG), heart rate data, and subjective workload ratings were recorded during the flights.

Results: EEG engagement indices and heart rate variability metrics demonstrated reliable within-subject consistency across trials for individual pilots, with mean intraclass correlation coefficient values ranging from 0.59-0.69. Both measures exhibited synchronized fluctuations across pilots at key events, increasing during high workload segments and decreasing in lower demand periods. Subjective ratings also showed good within-subject reliability, with mean intraclass correlation coefficient values ranging from 0.74-0.85. These findings underscore the reliability of our measurements, instilling confidence in the validity of our research.

Discussion: The findings of this study provide strong support for the feasibility of using a multi-measure approach that integrates EEG, heart rate variability, and subjective ratings. This approach can continuously monitor real-time cognitive workload fluctuations during simulated rotary-wing operations. While objective measures showed within-subject consistency, substantial between-subject variability highlights the importance of individualized neurocognitive profiling. The integration of neurophysiological, autonomic, subjective, and environmental data holds great promise for the future of pilot workload assessment despite the challenges posed by individual differences. D'Alessandro M, Mackie R, Berger T, Ott C, Sullivan C, Curry I. Real-time neurophysiological and subjective indices of cognitive engagement in high-speed flight. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(12):885-896.