Neuroergonomic and psychometric evaluation of full-face crew oxygen masks respiratory tolerance: a proof-of-concept study.
J R Army Med Corps
; 165(5): 317-324, 2019 Oct.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-30415218
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Preventing in-flight hypoxia in pilots is typically achieved by wearing oxygen masks. These masks must be as comfortable as possible to allow prolonged and repeated use. The consequences of mask-induced facial contact pressure have been extensively studied, but little is known about mask-induced breathing discomfort. Because breathlessness is a strong distractor and engages cerebral resources, it could negatively impact flying performances.METHODS:
Seventeen volunteers (age 20-32) rated respiratory discomfort while breathing with no mask and with two models of quick-donning full-face crew oxygen masks with regulators (mask A, mask B). Electroencephalographic recordings were performed to detect a putative respiratory-related cortical activation in response to inspiratory constraint (experiment 1, n=10). Oxygen consumption was measured using indirect calorimetry (experiment 2, n=10).RESULTS:
With mask B, mild respiratory discomfort was reported significantly more frequently than with no mask or mask A (experiment 1 median respiratory discomfort on visual analogue scale 0.9 cm (0.5-1.4), experiment 1; experiment 2 2 cm (1.7-2.9)). Respiratory-related cortical activation was present in 1/10 subjects with no mask, 1/10 with mask A and 6/10 with mask B (significantly more frequently with mask B). Breathing pattern, sigh frequency and oxygen consumption were not different.CONCLUSIONS:
In a laboratory setting, breathing through high-end aeronautical full-face crew oxygen masks can induce mild breathing discomfort and activate respiratory-related cortical networks. Whether or not this can occur in real-life conditions and have operational consequences remains to be investigated. Meanwhile, respiratory psychometric and neuroergonomic approaches could be worth integrating to masks development and evaluation processes.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Oxígeno
/
Respiración Artificial
/
Fenómenos Fisiológicos Respiratorios
/
Medicina Aeroespacial
/
Hipoxia
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Adult
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J R Army Med Corps
Año:
2019
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Francia