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[Changes in specific sensation in pilots exposed to systematic general vibration]
Meditsina Truda I Promyshlennaia Ekologiia
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Helicopter pilots experience sensory changes, including altered vibrotactile, vestibular, and auditory sensations, indicating potential occupational disorders. These changes manifest as higher sensory thresholds and reduced stability.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Aerospace Medicine
- Human Factors Engineering
Background:
- Helicopter pilots are exposed to significant whole-body vibration.
- Excessive vibration may lead to sensory system alterations and occupational health issues.
- Comparison with jet aircraft pilots highlights unique helicopter pilot exposures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of helicopter pilot vibration exposure on sensory perception.
- To identify specific sensory changes indicative of occupational disorders.
- To compare sensory function changes between helicopter and jet aircraft pilots.
Main Methods:
- Assessment of vibrotactile, vestibular, and auditory sensation thresholds.
- Evaluation of vestibulovegetative stability and vestibulospinal reflexes.
- Experimental vibration exposure (50–1,800 (m/s²) for 2 hours) in a controlled setting.
Main Results:
- Helicopter pilots showed increased vibrotactile sensation thresholds.
- Reduced vestibulovegetative stability and altered vestibulospinal reflexes were observed.
- Helicopter pilots had a higher incidence of hearing loss for voice frequencies compared to jet pilots.
- Experimental vibration did not alter vibrotactile or auditory sensation but suggested increased vestibular reactivity.
Conclusions:
- Excessive vibration exposure in helicopter pilots is associated with significant sensory system changes.
- These sensory alterations, including vestibular and auditory deficits, may represent an occupational disorder.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects and mechanisms of vibration-induced sensory changes.