Measurement of force exerted on footplates by centrifuge subjects

Increased G-tolerance in flight is usually achieved by isometric contraction of the muscles of the abdomen and of lower extremities, along with forceful expiration against a closed or partially closed glottis. Measurement and analysis of the forces developed by a pilot's leg muscles during +Gz...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Aviation, space, and environmental medicine space, and environmental medicine, 2004-06, Vol.75 (6), p.551-553
Main Authors: Eliasz, Jerzy, Mikuliszyn, Romuald Szymon, Dereń, Mirosaw
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acceleration
Centrifugation
Feasibility Studies
Gravitation
Humans
Leg - physiology
Male
Muscle, Skeletal - physiology
Space life sciences
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Summary:Increased G-tolerance in flight is usually achieved by isometric contraction of the muscles of the abdomen and of lower extremities, along with forceful expiration against a closed or partially closed glottis. Measurement and analysis of the forces developed by a pilot's leg muscles during +Gz acceleration is one of the steps needed to develop specialized physical conditioning programs. We developed a system for continuous measurement of forces exerted on simulated rudder pedals in a human centrifuge. Data from five test subjects showed that the system could measure left-right asymmetry as well as individual differences in pressure patterns during acceleration. The results suggest that the measurement system could be useful in training pilots to increase the effectiveness of their anti-G straining maneuvers. Specifically, the system may help pilots learn to adjust their effort to the G profile.
ISSN:0095-6562