Table 2.

Possible physical, physiological, psychological contributors to travel fatigue [4, 9, 14, 20, 61, 70–85]

Physical

Internal factors

General health

External factors

Confined and uncomfortable space for a prolonged period of time

Restricted movement and muscle inactivity

Vibration effects from the mode of transport

Physiological (external factors causing internal physiological changes)

Exposure to dry cabin air and low hypobaric pressure (causing dehydration)

Prolonged exposure to low air quality (impairing immunity)

Prolonged exposure to mild hypoxia (reducing oxygen saturation)

Experiencing sleep disturbances, due to the cabin environment (i.e. cramped conditions, light and noise) and travel schedule

Impaired nutritional intake (including timing and quality)

Psychological

Mental monotony of a journey

Concerns regarding the journey, logistics, competition and/or the destination

Disruptions to daily routines

Noise stress from the mode of transport and fellow passengers

Home and societal influences

Fulfilment/enjoyment of the craft/trade