Citation

Balldin UI, Kuronen P, Rusko H, Svensson E. Aviat. Space Environ. Med. 1994; 65(3): 199-203.

Affiliation

Division of Aviation Medicine, National Defence Research Establishment, Sweden.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Aerospace Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8185547

Abstract

Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were registered at submaximal levels in G endurance tests of a combined strength and endurance training program in 17 pilots. After 12 months of physical training, the endurance G tolerance (time to exhaustion during simulated aerial combat maneuver), increased by a mean of 40% (p < 0.001), while the mean RPE at 5 min submaximal G exposure decreased by 1.2 units (p < 0.02). Following 12 months of physical training, a significant relationship was observed between the improvement of the endurance G tolerance and the decrease of the RPE at 5 min (p = 0.05). Mean SaO2 at 5 min increased from 84 to 90% (p < 0.01) after training, while heart rate responses to G stress did not change. It is concluded that mean RPE and, to some extent, mean SaO2 during submaximal G exposures may be used as indicators of shifts in endurance G tolerance. The procedure may reduce the need for exhaustive G tolerance tests with associated risks and discomfort.

Language: en