B52 Pilot Fatigue and Comfort Clinical Trial
Official title:
Effect of the Kalogon AF Prototype Smart Cushion on B52 Pilot Fatigue and Comfort Study
The goal of this experimental study is to compare 2 different seat cushions in B52 cockpit seats to see if they affect pilot fatigue and comfort. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does the Kalogon AF Prototype seat cushion improve pilot comfort compared to the standard seat cushion? 2. Does the Kalogon AF Prototype seat cushion reduce pilot fatigue compared to the standard cushion? Participants will spend 8 hours in a simulated cockpit playing a flight simulator. They will fill out multiple questionnaires and take 2 attention/reaction time tests throughout the 8-hours.
Participants will be screened for eligibility and if they qualify will be asked to provide informed consent and sign a photo release. Participants will be asked to avoid caffeine consumption on the day of testing, wear comfortable clothing with no back pockets on the pants/shorts, and bring food and water for them to consume during testing. Once informed consent is given, they will be measured and weighed. They will then be given a flight suit to wear. Once they are in the flight suit, the first 5-minute Psychomotor Vigilance Task test (PVT) will be administered. Once completed, the participant will be strapped into the pilot seat. Once the participant is properly secured to the pilot seat, the 8-hour timer will be started and the first Subjective Fatigue Survey will be administered. Once the questionnaire is completed they will begin playing the flight simulator. Participants will be encouraged to minimize bathroom breaks and will be given specific times to eat. At the 4-hour mark, the second Subjective Fatigue Survey will be administered. At the end of the 8 hours, a second PVT will be administered, followed by the final Subjective Fatigue Survey. ;