Characteristics of brain functional networks in pilots during resting and task states:a high-density EEG comparative study

DING Haifeng; HAN Tao; GAO Yuhang; WU Haoyun; WANG Zhao; LU Yixing; WANG Peng; SUN Xiaolong; YUAN Hua

doi:10.13276/j.issn.2097-1656.2026.02.012

Abstract：Objective To compare the differences in brain functional networks between pilots and ground crew members during resting state and simulated flight tasks,and to reveal the unique neural activity patterns of pilots,providing an objective basis for the assessment and selection of pilots' neural function.Methods A total of 48 subjects were recruited,including 18 pilots and 30 ground crew members,with the two groups matched in age and education level.A 128-channel high-density electroencephalography(EEG)system was used to collect EEG data during resting state(eyes closed and eyes open,3 min each)and simulated flight tasks(level flight for 1 min,half-roll reversal for 30 s).Power spectral density analysis and phase-locking value-based functional connectivity analysis were performed to evaluate the characteristics of brain networks in the two groups under different conditions.Results(1)Power spectral density analysis showed no significant differences between the two groups across all frequency bands during eyes-open rest and level flight.During eyes-closed rest,the power density in the α band(10-13 Hz)and β band(＞13-18 Hz)was significantly higher in the pilot group than that in the ground crew group(P＜0.05).During the half-roll reversal task,the power density in the θ band(＞4-8 Hz),α band(＞8-13 Hz),and β band(＞13-16 Hz)was significantly lower in the pilot group than that in the ground crew group(P＜0.05).(2)Functional connectivity analysis indicated no significant differences in brain network connectivity strength between the two groups during resting state and level flight.However,during the half-roll reversal task,in the α band,the pilot group showed significantly enhanced connectivity between the visual network(VN)and the somatomotor network(P＜0.05),and significantly weakened connectivity between the default mode network(DMN)and the frontoparietal network(FPN),as well as between the DMN and the VN(P＜0.05).In the β band,the pilot group exhibited significantly enhanced connectivity between the limbic network(LN)and the DMN,and between the LN and the FPN(P＜0.05),along with significantly weakened connectivity between the VN and the ventral attention network,and between the VN and the DMN(P＜0.05).Conclusion When performing high-difficulty flight tasks,pilots exhibit not only unique power spectral characteristics but also specific reorganization of brain functional networks.This distinctive"resting reserve-task efficiency"dual-state neural pattern reflects the brain functional adaptability specific to the pilot population,and may serve as a potential objective reference indicator for pilot neural function assessment and selection.