Relationship between the value of the Wenckebach point and +Gz tolerance.
The +Gz acceleration tolerance in a homogeneous group of 21 male clinically healthy pilots or candidates to airservice was evaluated. The +Gz acceleration tolerance was compared with the Wenckebach point, i.e., the lowest rate of atrial stimulation needed to produce constant Wenckebach or Mobitz II atrio-ventricular (AV) block. The Wenckebach point was used as an autonomic nervous system activity index. It was demonstrated that the degree of +Gz acceleration tolerance depends greatly upon autonomic nervous system activity, and is lower in people with enhanced parasympathetic tone. The possibility of pharmacological correction of +Gz acceleration tolerance was discussed.
D000054:Acceleration; D000328:Adult; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001359:Aviation; D002036:Bundle of His / Q000503:physiopathology; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006112:Gravitation; D006327:Heart Block / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014474:Unconsciousness / Q000503:physiopathology