title: Perceived exertion during submaximal G exposures before and after physical training.
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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Aviation Medicine, National Defence Research Establishment, Sweden.
authors.forename: U I
authors.initials: UI
authors.lastname: Balldin
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kuronen
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rusko
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Svensson
mesh_terms: D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D006112:Gravitation; D006801:Humans; D008889:Military Personnel; D010465:Perception; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D010807:Physical Endurance; D005082:Physical Exertion