Evaluation of Psychological Load of Air Defense Members by Physiological Data Monitoring Compared to the Questionnaire Evaluation Method

This paper aims to evaluate psychological load assessment methods in air defense members. The study is based on physiological data monitoring and compares this method with traditional questionnaire evaluation methods. Measurement using a biotelemetric system was conducted while training in flight simulators. A total of 28 subjects/soldiers were divided into seven four-member teams consisting of two pilots, an air traffic controller and a member of ground support. Physiological data was collected and monitored for all subjects during a mission flight operation. Calculations of the R-R interval length and respiratory rate were performed for all soldiers involved. Statistical analysis, i.e. the calculation of the median, maximum, minimum, first quartile and third quartile were used for physiological data presentation and the quantitative evaluation of mental stress. These results were then compared with results showing the subjective degree of psychological stress load, as determined by the questionnaire evaluation method. A simple rating scales repeatedly evaluated by individual subjects were used to determine their subjective level of mental stress before and after individual phases of the training. The data for takeoff, landing, horizontal flight and fall were evaluated and compared. Then the results for both evaluation approaches (physiological data measurement and questionnaire-based subjective evaluation) were compared. Since the normal data distribution was not shown, statistical evaluation was conducted through non-parametric tests. Based on the calculated values of the physiological parameters compared with the determined value of the questionnaire method’s rating scale, it was found that with increasing mental load determined by the subjective evaluation method, the length of the R-R interval decreased and the respiratory rate increased. These conclusions were consistent for different flight phases and within the groups of pilots, air traffic controllers and ground support members.