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Updated: Mar 15, 2026
A Model to Simulate Clinically Relevant Hypoxia in Humans
Published on: December 22, 2016
Pilot physiology, cognition and flight performance during flight simulation exposed to a 3810-m hypoxic condition
Corey A Peacock1, Raymond Weber2, Gabriel J Sanders3
1a Nova Southeastern University , USA.
Background:
Hypoxia is a physiological state defined as a reduction in the distribution of oxygen to the tissues of the body. It has been considered a major factor in aviation safety worldwide because of its potential for pilot disorientation. Pilots are able to operate aircrafts up to 3810 m without the use of supplemental oxygen and may exhibit symptoms associated with hypoxia.
Objective:
To determine the effects of 3810 m on physiology, cognition and performance in pilots during a flight simulation.
Methods:
Ten healthy male pilots engaged in a counterbalanced experimental protocol comparing a 0-m normoxic condition (NORM) with a 3810-m hypoxic condition (HYP) on pilot physiology, cognition and flight performance.
Results:
Repeated-measures analysis of variance demonstrated a significant (p ≤ 0.05) time by condition interaction for physiological and cognitive alterations during HYP. A paired-samples t test demonstrated no differences in pilot performance (p ≥ 0.05) between conditions.
Conclusion:
Pilots exhibited physiological and cognitive impairments; however, pilot performance was not affected by HYP.
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