Altered Default Mode Network Dynamics in Civil Aviation Pilots

Abstract

Background: Airlines occupy an increasingly important place in the economy of many countries. Because air disasters may cause substantial losses, comprehensive surveys of the psychophysiological mechanism of flying are needed; however, relatively few studies have focused on pilots. The default mode network (DMN) is an important intrinsic connectivity network involved in a range of functions related to flying. This study aimed to examine functional properties of the DMN in pilots. Method: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 26 pilots and 24 controls were collected. Independent component analysis, a data-driven approach, was combined with functional connectivity analysis to investigate functional properties of the DMN in pilots. Results: The pilot group exhibited increased functional integration in the precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and left middle occipital gyrus. Subsequent functional connectivity analysis identified enhanced functional connection between the precuneus/PCC and medial superior frontal gyrus. Conclusion: The pilot group exhibited increased functional connections within the DMN. These findings highlight the importance of the DMN in the neurophysiological mechanism of flying.

Impaired brain networks functional connectivity after acute mild hypoxia

“…[ 22 ] Notably, as the 2 main components of the FPN, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and precuneus are both relatively more sensitive to hypoxia. [ 6 , 7 , 16 ] Moreover, the FPN, which comprises the frontal eye fields and the lateral intraparietal area, has a pivotal role in complex cognitive control of higher-order brain functions, including oculomotor control, motor preparation, visual attention, and decision-making. [ 23 ] In this study, we found that the inter-network connectivities between the FPN and VN were reduced.…”

“…The brain network functional connectivity model at rest reflects the significant coupling of spontaneous fluctuations in ongoing activities and provides a neuroanatomical basis for understanding human behavior and cognitive function. [ 6 ] Recently, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which is based on the blood oxygen level dependent signal’s ability to indirectly reflect the activity of neurons in the brain, [ 7 ] has been used to explore the effect of hypoxia on cognitive function. [ 8 – 10 ] To investigate the cognitive and brain functional alterations associated with exposure to high-altitude hypoxia, Chen et al used resting-state fMRI to quantify brain functional connectivity alterations and found that differences in functional connectivity before and after hypoxia exposure in multiple brain regions were significantly correlated with cognitive changes.…”

“…[ 10 ] Chen et al investigated the functional connectivity pattern of the default mode network (DMN) in pilots and suggested a potential relationship between flight experience and functional properties of the DMN. [ 6 ] More specifically, daily flying practice may activate the pilot’s DMN repeatedly and, ultimately, strengthen its activation level during the resting state.…”

Increased functional dynamics in civil aviation pilots: Evidence from a neuroimaging study

“…All participants were fully informed about the procedure, and we obtained written informed consent. Detailed information of the participants can be found in our previous study [13].…”

“…The core regions of the DMN are the medial prefrontal cortex, the precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex, and the bilateral parietal cortex [12]. Pilots have been found to exhibit increased functional connections within the DMN [13]. The DMN is always deactivated during stimulus-activation cognitive tasks and activated during the resting state [14].…”