Determining Which Regions of the Brain Are Active During Flight Simulation at Separate Timepoints During Training
The Geneva Foundation
Summary
The overall objective is to identify the cognitive circuits associated with military aviator performance by analyzing what anatomic regions of the brain are functionally "active" (neuronal circuit) while being performing virtual flight simulations, the Precision Instrument Control Task (PICT). The flight simulation test will be conducted at two separate timepoints while the subject is receiving a Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scan to evaluate which anatomic and functional brain function is associated with precise performance. By scanning at multiple time points we aim to quantify changes in functional and anatomic connectivity that occur throughout the course of training.
Description
Establishing, maintaining, and quantifying readiness in high performance individuals and populations, such as active-duty pilots, remains a significant challenge in the DoD. Proficiency in pilots, like other high-performance populations, consists of mastery of multiple tasks. Some tasks, such as G-straining relies upon known approaches to strengthen musculoskeletal endurance of the buttocks, quadriceps, and hamstrings with well-defined exercises to improve tolerance to high G-loads. Thus, if particular pilot or trainee is struggling with near G-induced loss of consciousness, clear training reg…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–54 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Active Duty Military Pilots (Instructor Pilot Trainees or Remote Piloted Aircraft Trainees) * Age 18-54 years * Biological male or female Exclusion Criteria: * Age \< 18 years * Age \> 60 years * Non-active-duty members * History of recurrent migraine headaches requiring chronic suppressive medication or prescription drug intervention more frequently than once per year. * History of head trauma or traumatic brain injury with any loss of consciousness or with confusion or amnesia of greater than five minutes. * History of eye trauma related to a metallic object unless t…
Interventions
- Diagnostic TestfMRI with virtual reality flight simulator
During this scan, the subject will be wearing the stereogenic goggles called the Visual System HD (NordicNeuroLab) mounted in the scanner via a headcoil that can be adjusted to the subject's comfort using the control arm and completely cover the eyes to prevent light exposure and to clearly visualize eye movement during the flight simulation. The subject will be using a visual response system with customized grips to simulate a stick and throttle in a jet cockpit while visualizing the flight simulation (PICT) in the goggles.
Location
- Joint Base San Antonio - Randolph & LacklandSan Antonio, Texas