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

Description

The overall objective is to identify the cognitive circuits associated with military aviator performance by analyzing what anatomic regions of the brain are functionally "active" (neuronal circuit) while being performing virtual flight simulations, the Precision Instrument Control Task (PICT). The flight simulation test will be conducted at two separate timepoints while the subject is receiving a Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scan to evaluate which anatomic and functional brain function is associated with precise performance. By scanning at multiple time points we aim to quantify changes in functional and anatomic connectivity that occur throughout the course of training.

Conditions

Cognitive Performance

Talk to us

Study Overview

On this page

Study Details

Study overview

The overall objective is to identify the cognitive circuits associated with military aviator performance by analyzing what anatomic regions of the brain are functionally "active" (neuronal circuit) while being performing virtual flight simulations, the Precision Instrument Control Task (PICT). The flight simulation test will be conducted at two separate timepoints while the subject is receiving a Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scan to evaluate which anatomic and functional brain function is associated with precise performance. By scanning at multiple time points we aim to quantify changes in functional and anatomic connectivity that occur throughout the course of training.

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

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

Condition
Cognitive Performance
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

San Antonio

Joint Base San Antonio - Randolph & Lackland, San Antonio, Texas, United States, 78150

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

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

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 54 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

The Geneva Foundation,

Paul Sherman, MD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, 59th Medical Wing Science and Technology

Study Record Dates

2026-09-18