Qigong and L-1 straining maneuver oxygen system requirements with and without positive pressure breathing.
Based on the characteristics of respiration and the intrathoracic pressure in Qigong (Q-G) maneuvering, it has been theorized that the Q-G maneuver may lessen the lack of coordination between aircraft oxygen apparatus and anti-G maneuvers and may be more compatible with positive pressure breathing (PPB). In an experiment intended to test this hypothesis, 5 male volunteers, trained in Q-G and L-1 maneuvers, performed the Q-G and the L-1 maneuvers without and with (PPB) at 4 and 6 kPa, respectively, with 14 respiratory parameters being measured. The results demonstrated that, when performing Q-G maneuver, the maximal expiratory flow rate averaged 1.175-1.645 L.s-1, the inspiratory peak flow, 1.003-1.297 L.s-1. Both these values were markedly lower than those of the L-1 maneuver, and matched well the performance of current aircraft oxygen apparatus. From the blood pressure and heart rate values, it is evident that PPB can further promote the blood pressure-raising effect of the Q-G maneuver, and alleviate pilots' fatigue.
Zhang
S X
SX
Institute of Aviation Medicine, Air Force, People's Liberation Army of China, Beijing.
Guo
H Z
HZ
Zhu
J
J
Jing
B S
BS
D000328:Adult; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001945:Breathing Exercises; D006112:Gravitation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010100:Oxygen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration; D012119:Respiration
D010100:Oxygen