EEG functional network properties related to visually induced unrecognized spatial disorientation

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Aerospace Medicine

Background:

• Spatial disorientation (SD) is a critical safety concern for pilots, linked to cognitive function.
• Understanding the neural underpinnings of unrecognized SD is crucial for aviation safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of unrecognized spatial disorientation on human brain cognitive functions.
• To analyze topological changes in cognitive brain networks during unrecognized SD using electroencephalography (EEG).

Main Methods:

• EEG functional network analysis was employed with twelve male pilots experiencing a visual rotation-induced SD scenario.
• Phase lag index (PLI) and normalized mutual information (NMI) quantified EEG data across frequency bands.
• Network properties, including average clustering coefficient and global efficiency, were calculated and compared between SD and non-SD conditions using T-tests.

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in PLI and NMI was observed in the theta band during unrecognized SD, indicating weaker functional connectivity.
• The average clustering coefficient and global efficiency in the theta band were reduced under unrecognized SD conditions.
• These network changes suggest a loss of small-world characteristics and diminished processing efficiency in cognitive brain regions.

Conclusions:

• Unrecognized spatial disorientation adversely affects brain functional networks, specifically within the theta frequency band.
• The observed decline in network properties highlights potential cognitive impairments impacting pilot performance and safety.
• Further research into mitigating the neural effects of SD is warranted for aviation safety.