Age-related Longitudinal Changes in Avi… | Clinical Trial

Key information

Conditions

Memory Impairment Memory Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurobehavioral Manifestations Neurologic Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

45 year–70 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

VA Palo Alto Health Care System

Palo Alto, California, 94304, United States

About this study

Our overall goal has been twofold: 1) to evaluate whether there are significant age-related changes in flight simulator performance near age 60, and 2) to assess whether there is an alternative model that can explain longitudinal flight simulator performance on the basis of measures of cognitive function and expertise. Such a model might be able to predict change in aviator performance better than what could be predicted by chronological age alone.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

1) licensed aircraft pilot 2) 45 to 70 years of age 3) at least 100 hours of total flight experience 4) current FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) medical certificate of class III or higher

Exclusion criteria

1) taking psychotropic medications 2) taking other medications with arousal or sedative effects

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

Aviation-related performance over time.

Time frame: longitudinal

Participants "fly" in our computerized flight simulator and perform a set of brief tasks designed to measure reaction time and attention span. The study is longitudinal, collecting information about aviation-related performance over time. There is an initial training period, followed by annual visits. During the training period participants learn how to "fly" the simulator, and performance on certain standard maneuvers will be measured during a maximum of 6 simulated flights. At each annual visit, participants fly two 75-minute simulated flights and may be asked to perform up to four holding patterns and instrument landings.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Stanford University

Other

Collaborators

National Institute on Aging (NIA)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2006
Primary completion: 2014
Study completion: 2014
First posted: Jun 2, 2011
Registry last updated: Dec 6, 2016

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed