Citation

Forster EM, Cammarota JP, Whinnery JE. Aviat. Space Environ. Med. 1994; 65(3): 249-253.

Affiliation

Aerial Combat Maneuvering Enhancement Laboratory (ACME), Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division, Warminster, PA 18974-5000.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Aerospace Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8185556

Abstract

During acceleration (+Gz) training in the human centrifuge, the anti-G suit (AGS) is usually deflated as acceleration decreases upon termination of the exposure, regardless of the reason for termination, including +Gz-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC). This is when the trainee most needs the support provided by the AGS. A method to reduce the time of incapacitation resulting from G-LOC was evaluated. The standard CSU15-P suit worn by 30 aircrew while undergoing +Gz tolerance training was inflated to 10 psi immediately upon G-LOC (GS group). Incapacitation times and flailing activity were recorded and compared with 51 aircrew whose AGS was not abruptly inflated upon G-LOC (NGS group). Absolute incapacitation was significantly different between both groups (p = 0.024). The GS group exhibited flailing behavior for a longer period of time during relative incapacitation than the NGS group (p = 0.0003). Total incapacitation remained unaffected. A brief period of confusion occasionally accompanied by mimic or myoclonic convulsions was observed more often in the GS group. Inflation of the AGS upon G-LOC seems to reduce absolute incapacitation by approximately 2 s, thereby causing the trainee to be aware of his environment and G-LOC more quickly, even though his motor function has not yet been fully restored.

Language: en