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Editorial2024-12-31
편집자 주: 34권 4호
Editorial for Vol. 34, No. 4
Abstract : This issue features three papers in aerospace medicine, including one original article and two reviews, focusing on cardiovascular health, vestibular illusions, and diabetes management in aviation. The first study investigates cardiovascular health during flight phases using a wearable device. Results show significant heart rate changes during the landing phase, reflecting increased workload and sympathetic activation. However, the study’s scope is limited to a single pilot, warranting further research. The second paper reviews vestibular illusions in military aviation, highlighting their role in spatial disorientation, which accounts for 5% of military aviation accidents with a 90% fatality rate. It emphasizes training, including virtual reality simulation, to mitigate risks, but lacks specific data on effectiveness. The third paper compares diabetes management protocols for aviation personnel in Korea, the United States of America, Australia and International Civil Aviation Organization. Korea restricts insulin-dependent pilots, while other countries allow limited operations with advanced glucose monitoring. The paper advocates for updated domestic guidelines reflecting international practices.
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Original Article2024-12-31
In-flight Electrocardiography Monitoring in a Pilot During Cross Country Flight
Abstract : Purpose: The diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases are important for pilots, as well as the assessment of workload. Heart rate variability (HRV) can be evaluated from electrocardiography (ECG) signals during flight phases to assess the activation of the autonomic nervous system. Methods: In this study, continuous ECG activity was recorded of one pilot who flied as a pilot flying during a 4-hour long round trip using wearable ECG machine and was analyzed with MATLAB (R2020b ver. 9.9, The Mathworks Inc.). Total flight was divided into five phases: preflight, take off, cruise, landing, and postflight. Results: Mean heart rate (HR) was lowest in the postflight phase (76 bpm), and highest in the landing phase (86 bpm). Landing phase showed the highest values in standard deviation of NN interval (59.3 ms), triangular index (11.7), and triangular interpolation of NN interval (195 ms), while the postflight phase had highest root mean square of successive difference (20.5 ms) and proportion of successive RR interval (3.4 ms). As for frequency-domain metrics, the landing phase had the highest low-frequency/high-frequency ratio of 5.33. Among the non-linear HRV measures, the landing phase presented the lowest SD1/SD2 ratio (0.15). Conclusion: We observed the relative increase of mean HR and change of HRV in the landing phase, indicating elevated sympathetic nervous tone. Further studies should be considered to evaluate specific changes of ECG signals in flight phases and confirm the clinical use of the MATLAB signal analysis tools.
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Review Article2024-12-31
Literature Review: Vestibular Illusions in Combat Flight: Implications and Management
Abstract : Vestibular illusion is a common problem in combat aviation, which can cause spatial disorientation (SD) and potentially result in fatal accidents. This article discusses several types of SD, such as type I, type II, and type III, along with their characteristics and implications. Vestibular illusions, such as somatogravic illusion, somatogyral illusion, leans, Coriolis illusion, and G-excess illusion, are also presented as factors that can influence pilot decisions during flight. It is important for military aviators to understand and recognise these vestibular illusions to maintain spatial orientation and prevent accidents. Effective management of vestibular illusions, including the Coriolis illusion, involves training, awareness and mitigation strategies, such as the use of technological simulations like virtual reality. This training helps aviators recognize and overcome vestibular illusions, thereby improving overall flight safety.
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Review Article2024-12-31
당뇨병 치료의 항공의학적 최신 동향: 항공 안전에 미치는 영향
Advancements in Aeromedical Management of Diabetes: Implications for Aviation Safety
Abstract : The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus among aviation personnel poses significant challenges to flight safety, necessitating stringent aeromedical management. This study examines the current prevalence of diabetes in Korea’s aviation sector, analyzes associated health risks, and evaluates international guidelines from the International Civil Aviation Organization, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and the Federal Aviation Administration for managing diabetic aviation personnel. In 2022, diabetes was identified in 1.8% of aviation medical examinations in Korea, with prevalence increasing with age. The study highlights the critical importance of regular health assessments, blood glucose monitoring, and adherence to medical protocols to mitigate risks such as hypoglycemia and cardiovascular complications that could impair flight safety. By comparing international standards, the study underscores the need for comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines tailored to the Korean context to ensure the health of aviation personnel and the safety of flight operations.