Mental fatigue modulates EEG microstate dynamics during simulated flight with varying task demands

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Aerospace Medicine
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Pilot mental fatigue is a critical safety concern in aviation.
• Dynamic task loads and prolonged flight durations contribute to fatigue.
• Understanding brain network changes during fatigue is essential for pilot performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate changes in brain microstate characteristics due to mental fatigue.
• To assess the impact of varying task loads on brain microstates during simulated flight.
• To explore the relationship between global brain network dynamics and pilot fatigue.

Main Methods:

• Continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) recording during a 1.5-hour simulated flight.
• Inclusion of thirty pilot trainees undergoing three pseudorandomized task loads.
• Classification of mental fatigue using the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS).

Main Results:

• Mental fatigue led to significant decreases in the duration, occurrence, and time coverage of microstate D.
• Altered transition probabilities between microstates were observed, with decreased C to B and D to B, and increased B to C and B to D.
• No significant impact of task load on microstate parameters was detected.

Conclusions:

• Mental fatigue is a primary driver of changes in brain microstate dynamics during simulated flight.
• Global brain network alterations associated with fatigue may impact pilot cognitive function.
• Findings highlight the importance of monitoring and managing pilot fatigue in aviation environments.