Citation

Scott JM, Esch BT, Goodman LS, Bredin SSD, Haykowsky MJ, Warburton DE. Appl. Physiol. Nutr. Metab. 2007; 32(2): 332-339.

Affiliation

Cardiovascular Physiology and Rehabilitation Laboratory, The University of British Columbia, 6108 Thunderbird Blvd., Rm. 205, Unit II Osborne Centre, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, National Research Council of Canada)

DOI

10.1139/h06-087

PMID

17486177

Abstract

The gravitational stress encountered by pilots of high-performance aircraft can cause dramatic shifts in blood volume and circulatory pressure, thus placing the cardiovascular system under significant stress, sometimes resulting in loss of consciousness due to cerebral under-perfusion. Since pilots experience both increased and decreased gravitational stress in high-risk environments, it is important not only to examine the cardiovascular effects of altered gravitational exposure, but also to create effective countermeasures that will increase pilot safety. In this review, we discuss the cardiovascular consequences of rapid changes in gravitational forces. We also examine the effectiveness of the countermeasures that have been developed to combat gravity-induced loss of consciousness. Finally, we examine those current laboratory-based techniques that simulate hyper-gravity and the "push-pull effect"; making it possible to investigate the cardiovascular mechanisms responsible for maintaining cerebral perfusion and consciousness.

Language: en