HUMAN PERFORMANCE AS A FUNCTION OF THE WORK-REST RATIO DURING PROLONGED CONFINEMENT

Abstract
The feasibility of using a 4-hours-on and 2 hours-off-duty schedule in the operation of advanced aerospace systems was investigated. Two B-52 combat- ready crews were confined for 15 days in a simulated advanced system crew compartment and were tested with a battery of five performance tasks and four psycho-physiological measures. Data obtained during two 15-day testing periods are summarized. Additional performance data obtained from five studies using college student subjects are presented. These results are based on four 96-hour investigations (two with a 4-on and 2-off schedule and two with a 6-on and 2-off schedule) and one 120-hour control group study (4 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 6 weeks). With proper control of selection and motivational factors, crews can work effectively for periods of at least two weeks and possibly longer using a 4-on and 2-off work-rest schedule.

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