Subjective stress factors in centrifuge training for military aircrews.
This study investigates stress-influence factors perceived by military aircrews undergoing centrifuge training, which lowers the incidence of G-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC) for the crews of high-performance combat aircrafts. We used questionnaires to assess the subjective stress-influence factors of crews undergoing centrifuge training. Professionals in aviation physiology identified attributes measuring the perceived stress induced by centrifuge training, which were segmented into three constructs by factor analysis, theory lecture, centrifuge equipment, and physical fitness. Considerable interpenetration was discernible between these factors and military rank, age, length of service, flight hours accrued, and type of aircraft piloted. Identifying and quantifying the perceived stressors experienced in human-use centrifuge training enables aviators, astronauts, and air forces of the world to determine which constructs perceptibly increase or alleviate the perceived stress undergone by trainees when partaking in centrifuge training.
Department of Transportation and Communication Management Science, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Road, Tainan 701, Taiwan. peichunl@mail.ncku.edu.tw
Pei-Chun
PC
Lin
Jenhung
J
Wang
Shih-Chin
SC
Li
D000054:Acceleration / Q000009:adverse effects; D000328:Adult; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002498:Centrifugation; D004493:Education; D006112:Gravitation; D006801:Humans; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D011361:Professional Competence; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000502:physiology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult