Identifying brain activity during flight simulation training

Determining Which Regions of the Brain Are Active During Flight Simulation at Separate Timepoints During Training

This study looks at how the brains of active-duty military pilots work during flight simulations to see if understanding their brain activity can help improve their training.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 150 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 54 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: The Geneva Foundation (other)
• Locations: 1 site (San Antonio, Texas)
• Trial ID: NCT06606925 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to identify the cognitive circuits involved in military aviator performance by analyzing brain activity during virtual flight simulations using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). Participants, who are active-duty military pilots, will undergo fMRI scans at two different time points while performing the Precision Instrument Control Task (PICT) to evaluate changes in brain function and connectivity throughout their training. The goal is to better understand the neuronal circuits necessary for precise aircraft control, which can inform targeted training regimens for pilots.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are active-duty military pilots aged 18-54 years, including instructor pilot trainees and remote piloted aircraft trainees.

Not a fit: Patients who are not active-duty military members or those with significant neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved training methods for military pilots, enhancing their cognitive performance and readiness.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of fMRI in cognitive performance studies is established, this specific approach to understanding pilot training is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Active Duty Military Pilots (Instructor Pilot Trainees or Remote Piloted Aircraft Trainees)
* Age 18-54 years
* Biological male or female

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \< 18 years
* Age \> 60 years
* Non-active-duty members
* History of recurrent migraine headaches requiring chronic suppressive medication or prescription drug intervention more frequently than once per year.
* History of head trauma or traumatic brain injury with any loss of consciousness or with confusion or amnesia of greater than five minutes.
* History of eye trauma related to a metallic object unless the presence of residual metal has been previously excluded by x-ray.
* Pregnancy
* History of significant neurological disease including cerebrovascular disease, demyelinating disease, or infections of the central nervous system (encephalitis, meningitis).
* History of medical conditions with potential neurological involvement such as obstructive sleep apnea, autoimmune disorders, etc.
* History of seizures since age six.
* Claustrophobia or intolerance of the MRI without medication.
* Any medical contraindication to MRI (ex: foreign bodies, non-MRI compatible pacemaker, metal devices).

Where this trial is running

San Antonio, Texas

• Joint Base San Antonio - Randolph & Lackland — San Antonio, Texas, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Paul Sherman, MD — 59th Medical Wing Science and Technology
• Study coordinator: Katherine Walker-Rodriguez, Program Manager, MSN

Conditions: Cognitive Performance, Pilots, Flight Simulator, fMRI, Training, Neuroergonomics, Military