Neurotropin effects on stress and performance of airline pilots in simulated flight conditions

Effects of Neurotropin, an analgesic and antiallergic drug, have been compared to those of an inert, undistinguishable placebo in a double-blind study on twelve experienced Sabena (Belgian national airline) Boeing-737 captains who were requested to operate in unexpected scenarios of emergency and ILS instrument approaches in a flight simulator of their company. The test determined, in both medication groups, a significant increase in heart rates reflecting stress in these experimental conditions. The time course variations of heart rate showed values significantly lower in the Neurotropin group in comparison to the placebo group. Nervosity and workload were subjectively determined by pilots' self-assessment and workload was found lower under Neurotropin. Errors and quality of work, as evaluated by the Sabena Chief Instructor, were not significantly different in both groups. Instrument performances were recorded and analyzed by computer and the concordance between real and ideal flight paths was significantly better in the Neurotropin group. The observed Neurotropin effects of reducing the manifestation of stress and maintaining the pilots' performances might be due to a modulation of CNS monoamines, similar to that observed in animals submitted to Specific Alternation of Rhythm in Temperature (SART) stress model. This finding could be therapeutically relevant to the aggravation by anxiety of chronic pain and allergy.