Exposure to Short Wavelength-Enriched White Light and Exercise Improves Alertness and Performance in Operational NASA Flight Controllers Working Overnight Shifts.
J Occup Environ Med 2021;
63:111-118. [PMID:
33065729 DOI:
10.1097/jom.0000000000002054]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the efficacy of a combined short-wavelength-enriched white light and exercise fatigue countermeasure during breaks for flight controllers working overnight shifts.
METHODS
Twenty NASA flight controllers were studied for two blocks of nightshifts in ISS mission control, randomized to either the control or countermeasure condition. The countermeasure constituted passive exposure to blue-enriched polychromatic lighting for three 20-minute intervals, which included 10 minutes of exercise and occurred before and twice during their shifts. Alertness, performance, and mood were evaluated.
RESULTS
Flight controllers reported being significantly more alert (P < 0.0001) and happy (P = 0.003) and had faster reaction times (10% slowest responses; P < 0.05) during the countermeasure condition compared to control.
CONCLUSIONS
The combined light and exercise countermeasure improved alertness, performance, and mood in shift workers overnight. Further research is necessary to determine their relative contribution.
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