THE USE OF BIOMATHEMATICAL FATIGUE MODELS AS TOOLS OF FATIGUE RISK PREDICTION

Abstract

A shift duty can become challenging to the human body if it is not respecting its natural body rhythm, especially if the work schedule requires sleep in the daytime and working at night. Another form of shift lag is circadian desynchronisation caused by crossing multiple time zones. Advanced technologies help researchers in developing quantitative computerised scheduling tools that would be capable of estimating the individual fatigue risk level at shift work. These tools are called Biomathematical Fatigue Models. But, can fatigue be measured objectively? Quantifying fatigue might be a difficult task to accomplish due to its complexity of various physiological and psychological factors. The focus is on the physiological aspects of fatigue and relates to the long duty hours, time since awake and circadian rhythm. As with most of the aviation technologies, these models were initially introduced for military operations where pilots were required to stay awake for 30 or even 48 hours during deployments. Since then, computerised scheduling tools based on biomathematical modelling are finding their way into commercial use within the transport industry. The recent introduction of Safety Management System allows the models to be implemented as an optional component of a comprehensive Fatigue Risk Management System, assisting the airlines in crew fatigue mitigation.