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Circadian Rhythm and Its Effect On the Performance of Technical Services Engineers
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Human Factors and Ergonomics (within Engineering)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I6-1712774
Abstract
This study examines the influence of circadian rhythm on the physical and mental performance of Technical Services Engineers at Lufthansa Technik Philippines. Unlike flight crews and mechanics with regulated schedules, these engineers often work irregular shifts, including afternoons and nights, potentially disrupting biological cycles. Using a cross-sectional design, data on body temperature, sleep duration, work hours, and shift schedules were collected to assess circadian rhythm. Physical performance was measured via grip strength, and mental performance through a validated aptitude test. Results indicate that individual circadian peaks, reflected by body temperature, align with optimal performance, though no significant predictive relationship was found across grouped variables. However, notable performance differences emerged between minimum and maximum temperature conditions, suggesting that synchronizing work schedules with circadian peaks may improve efficiency. Recommendations include personalized scheduling, strategic rest during circadian lows, and further research with larger samples and expanded performance metrics to enhance fatigue risk management in aviation maintenance.
Keywords
Aviation maintenance, circadian rhythm, fatigue risk management, performance optimization, shift work, technical services engineers.
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How to cite this paper
@article{1712774,
author = {Carlos Miguel De Guzman},
title = {Circadian Rhythm and Its Effect On the Performance of Technical Services Engineers},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {9},
number = {6},
pages = {830-836},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1712774.pdf},
abstract = {This study examines the influence of circadian rhythm on the physical and mental performance of Technical Services Engineers at Lufthansa Technik Philippines. Unlike flight crews and mechanics with regulated schedules, these engineers often work irregular shifts, including afternoons and nights, potentially disrupting biological cycles. Using a cross-sectional design, data on body temperature, sleep duration, work hours, and shift schedules were collected to assess circadian rhythm. Physical performance was measured via grip strength, and mental performance through a validated aptitude test. Results indicate that individual circadian peaks, reflected by body temperature, align with optimal performance, though no significant predictive relationship was found across grouped variables. However, notable performance differences emerged between minimum and maximum temperature conditions, suggesting that synchronizing work schedules with circadian peaks may improve efficiency. Recommendations include personalized scheduling, strategic rest during circadian lows, and further research with larger samples and expanded performance metrics to enhance fatigue risk management in aviation maintenance.},
keywords = {Aviation maintenance, circadian rhythm, fatigue risk management, performance optimization, shift work, technical services engineers.},
month = {December},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I6-1712774}
}