Measurement of force exerted on footplates by centrifuge subjects.
BACKGROUND
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.


METHODS
We developed a system for continuous measurement of forces exerted on simulated rudder pedals in a human centrifuge.


RESULTS
Data from five test subjects showed that the system could measure left-right asymmetry as well as individual differences in pressure patterns during acceleration.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Eliasz
Jerzy
J
Academy of Physical Education, Warsaw, Poland.
Mikuliszyn
Romuald Szymon
RS
Dereń
Mirosaw
M
D000054:Acceleration; D002498:Centrifugation; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006112:Gravitation; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*