Some Effects of Smoking Withdrawal on Complex Performance and Physiological Responses,
Abstract
The effects of smoking withdrawal on complex (time-shared) performance and physiological responses were studied at a simulated aircraft cabin altitude of 6,500 ft. Seventeen habitual smokers, nine women and eight men 23 to 59 years of age, served as subjects. Time-shared performance of monitoring, tracking, mental arithmetic, and problem solving tasks were measured by the Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI) Multiple Task Performance Battery (MTPB) in two 4-h test sessions, one in which smoking was permitted at 1/2-h intervals and a no-smoking session. Corollary physiological measurements involved urinary hormones (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and 17-ketogenic steroids), carboxyhemoglobin levels (COHb), and heart rate (HR). Overall composite scores for MTB performance revealed decrements during withdrawal which were statistically significant (p < .05) decrement in tracking and a tendency toward longer reaction times in one monitoring task during withdrawal. These performance decrements were associated with significantly lower HR (p < .001) and lower (p < .05) ratings of attentiveness during withdrawal from smoking. These findings support a cautious approach to the prohibition of smoking on the flight deck for aircrew members. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA126551
Entities
People
- E. Arnold Higgins
- Henry W. Mertens
- Jess M. Mckenzie
Organizations
- Federal Aviation Administration