Critical Knowledge Gaps Concerning Pharmacological Fatigue Countermeasures for Sustained and Continuous Aviation Operations
Abstract
The purpose of this literature search was to identify knowledge gaps concerning the potential uses of pharmacological fatigue countermeasures in aviation. This type of review is a necessary step in developing an operationally based, safe-to-fly pharmacological doctrine that extends mission performance without introducing unwanted side effects. The review was conducted with respect to seven potential pharmacological countermeasures to fatigue: dextroamphetamine, modafinil, caffeine, temazepam, zolpidem, zaleplon, and melatonin. Thirty-four operationally relevant terms and phrases, such as -acceleration, memory, computational performance, and predisposition to heat injury, were used. The searches were conducted in ten different on-line, scientific and medical databases on literature published in or after 1980. Of the hundreds of returned citations, 117 were relevant and are categorized, and the obvious knowledge gaps discussed. Aggressive research is indicated for both non-pharmacological and pharmacological countermeasures to fatigue.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA415449
Entities
People
- James C Miller
- Lee G. Saltzgaber
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory