Cardiovascular autonomic responses in military pilots:

an operational performance indicator?

Authors

  • Edson Koury do Nascimento Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu, Mestrado Profissional em Desempenho Humano Operacional, Universidade da Força Aérea, UNIFA, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
  • Adriano Percival Calderaro Calvo Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu, Mestrado Profissional em Desempenho Humano Operacional, Universidade da Força Aérea, UNIFA, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
  • Fábio Angioluci Diniz Campos Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu, Mestrado Profissional em Desempenho Humano Operacional, Universidade da Força Aérea, UNIFA, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
  • Aylton José Figueira Júnior Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu, Mestrado e Doutorado em Promoção da Saúde e Doenças Crônicas da Universidade São Judas Tadeu, USJT, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
  • Gilberto Pivetta Pires Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu, Mestrado Profissional em Desempenho Humano Operacional, Universidade da Força Aérea, UNIFA, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22480/rev.unifa.2024.37.628

Keywords:

Military Aviation, Heart Rate Variability, Pilots

Abstract

Aviation has experienced significant technological advances that have resulted in a substantial increase in the power and operational capabilities of aircraft. In this context, modern fighter aircraft, such as the newest vector adopted by the Brazilian Air Force, the F-39 Gripen, are capable of performing maneuvers with high acceleration loads. As a result, pilots are exposed to the effects of the hyper-gravity environment and their cardiovascular capacity is affected, leading to Gz-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC). This study investigated cardiovascular autonomic responses, using Heart Rate Variability (HRV), in pilots during real aerobatic flights with the aim of identifying and evaluating the viability of these responses as an indicator of Operational Performance. The T-27 Tucano training aircraft of the First Air Training Squadron, located at the Air Force Academy, was used. The sample consisted of 29 male military personnel, all belonging to the 1st EIA Crew, divided into three groups: Aircrew (AERO); Instructor Pilots (INSTR); and Air Demonstration Squadron (EDA). HRV indices were analyzed in specific blocks, from pre-flight to post-flight. The analysis of pilots' HRV responses in flight will enable the development and improvement of more effective training, allowing these responses to be used as an indicator of Operational Performance by the Brazilian Air Force, serving as a reference for further studies and technological advances in the aerospace sector.

Author Biographies

  • Edson Koury do Nascimento, Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu, Mestrado Profissional em Desempenho Humano Operacional, Universidade da Força Aérea, UNIFA, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

     He holds a degree in Aviation Officer Training Course from the Academy 
    of the Air Force (2011), MBA in Public Management, from Anhaguera de Pirassununga (2016) and Master's Degree in Operational Human Performance from the University of Air Force (2023). Took the Safety Management System Courses 
    Operational for PSAC, by ANAC (2016), Management and Supervision Course of 
    Administrative Contracts, by Enap (2016) and Master's Degree in Human Performance Operational from the University of the Air Force - UNIFA (2023).  It is currently official aviator of the Brazilian Air Force, serving in the First Regional Air Command – I COMAR. He has experience in Public Management, with an emphasis on Public Administration and in the area of Defense, with an emphasis on Air Defense.

  • Adriano Percival Calderaro Calvo, Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu, Mestrado Profissional em Desempenho Humano Operacional, Universidade da Força Aérea, UNIFA, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

    He holds a degree in Physical Education from Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (2005), a master's degree in Motor Sciences from Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (2007) and a PhD in Sciences from Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (2015). He completed a post-doctoral internship in Exercise and Sports Sciences at the State University of Rio de Janeiro. He is currently a permanent post-graduate professor in Operational Human Performance at the University of the Air Force. He has experience in the area of Physical Education, working mainly on the following topics: biomechanics, muscular, military, extreme environment and pilot.

  • Fábio Angioluci Diniz Campos, Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu, Mestrado Profissional em Desempenho Humano Operacional, Universidade da Força Aérea, UNIFA, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

    He holds a Full Degree in Physical Education from the State University of Londrina (2003), a Specialization in Exercise Physiology from the Federal University of São Paulo (2005) and a Master's Degree in Physical Education from the University of São Paulo (2011). PhD in Human Movement Sciences from the Methodist University of Piracicaba (2017). Effective Professor of Basic, Technical and Technological Education of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology Goiano - Ceres Campus during the years 2019 and 2020. Sports Coordinator of the Forces in Sports Program within the scope of the Brazilian Air Force (2019-2022). Professor and advisor of the Graduate Program in Operational Human Performance of the University of the Air Force. He has experience in the area of Physical Education with the themes pedagogical aspects of Sports Training and in the area of Biodynamics of Human Movement (Operational Human Performance). Volleyball Coach Level III of the Brazilian Volleyball Confederation.

  • Aylton José Figueira Júnior, Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu, Mestrado e Doutorado em Promoção da Saúde e Doenças Crônicas da Universidade São Judas Tadeu, USJT, São Paulo, SP, Brasil

    Graduated in Physical Education (1985-1988); Specialist in Sports Sciences by the Physical Fitness Laboratory of São Caetano do Sul - São Paulo - Brazil (CELAFISCS); Post-Graduation in Sports Sciences at the Faculty of Physical Education of São Caetano do Sul (1989-1990); Post-Graduation in Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry Manuel Fajardo Institute of Sports Medicine - Havana - Cuba (1991). Coordinator of the Postgraduate Course in Sports Training at FMU; Professor of the Undergraduate Courses of UNINOVE and USJT; Member of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM since 2003), World Network for Physical and Environmental Activity (2011) and Japan Society for Physical Education, Health and Sports Sciences. Professor of the Master's and Doctorate Program of the São Judas Tadeu University (USJT), since 2009; Visiting Professor of the Master's Program in Clinical Exercise Physiology - Universidad Mayor - Chile; Member of CNPq (ad hoc) and FAPESP (Ad hoc). Advisor to the State Council of Education of the State of São Paulo (since 2009); Winner of the Sports Literature of the Year Award offered by the Brazilian College of Sports Sciences (2015); Medal of Merit of Physical Education delegated by the Regional Council of Physical Education; Medal of the Commendation of the Order of Physical Education of the State of São Paulo; Author of 12 books and 26 chapters in the areas of sport, training and physical activity and health.

  • Gilberto Pivetta Pires, Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu, Mestrado Profissional em Desempenho Humano Operacional, Universidade da Força Aérea, UNIFA, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

    Graduated at the level of Full Degree in Physical Education by the School of Physical Education and Sports of Catanduva - ESEFIC (1997), Specialization in Aquatic Activities by the University of Northern Paraná - UNOPAR (2000), Master in Physical Education with Knowledge Area in Human Performance, working in the Research Line of Human Performance Evaluation by the Methodist University of Piracicaba - UNIMEP (2005), and PhD in Physical Education with Knowledge Area in School, Sport, Physical Activity and Health, working in the Research Line of Sports Phenomenon by Universidade São Judas Tadeu - USJT (2014). He worked as a Sports Coach in the modality of Swimming at the Catanduva Tennis Club (1995 to 2010). He has taught in undergraduate and bachelor's degree courses at higher education institutions in the state of São Paulo: Centro Universitário do Noroeste Paulista - UNORP (2005/2007); Universidade Paulista - UNIP (2006/2011); FAFIBE University Center - UNIFAFIBE (2008/ 2010); Integrated Faculties Padre Albino Foundation - FIPA (2011); and Roraima: State University of Roraima - UERR (2011) and Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Roraima - IFRR Campus Boa Vista (2012/2019). He currently works in the Stricto Sensu Graduate Program (Professional Master's Degree) in Operational Human Performance - PPGDHO at the University of the Air Force - Campo dos Afonsos - Rio de Janeiro. He has experience in the area of Physical Education, with emphasis on Human Performance, working mainly on the following topics: Swimming, Measurements and Evaluations, Periodization and Strength Training and Sports Training. 

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Published

2024-12-16

Issue

Vol. 37 (2024): Revista da UNIFA

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Original Articles

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Copyright (c) 2024 Edson Koury do Nascimento, Adriano Percival Calderaro Calvo, Fábio Angioluci Diniz Campos, Aylton José Figueira Júnior, Gilberto Pivetta Pires

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How to Cite

Cardiovascular autonomic responses in military pilots:: an operational performance indicator?. The Journal of the University of the Air Force , Rio de Janeiro, v. 37, 2024. DOI: 10.22480/rev.unifa.2024.37.628. Disponível em: https://revistadaunifa.fab.mil.br/index.php/reunifa/article/view/628.. Acesso em: 18 dec. 2024.

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