G Protection When Adding Pressurized Sleeves and Gloves to a Representative G-Suit Ensemble.
BACKGROUND
In a previous study, pressurized sleeves and gloves were found to substantially diminish or eliminate G-induced arm pain. Since this equipment presumably acts similarly to a G suit for the arms and hands, it was hypothesized that higher inflation pressures might provide an additional increment of G protection.


METHODS
In a human-rated centrifuge, 15 well trained subjects using Combat Edge and ATAGS G-protective equipment were exposed to gradual and rapid onset relaxed G exposures as well as rapid onset straining and simulated aerial combat maneuver G exposures up to + 9 Gz with and without pressurized sleeves and gloves.


RESULTS
The pressurized sleeves and gloves did not show any improvement in G tolerance or endurance compared to the control. However, significantly lower heart rates (6-12%) and subjective effort (11%), along with slightly less peripheral vision loss, suggest a decreased work load when wearing the pressurized sleeves and gloves. A trend to shorter time on target in a tracking task was found with the pressurized sleeves and gloves, likely due to decreased mobility of the hands, thus affecting control stick input.


CONCLUSIONS
G tolerance and endurance were not improved by the pressurized sleeves and gloves. However, a lower heart rate and a decreased subjective effort level and peripheral vision loss indicated that the subjects did not have to work as hard with this equipment.
Thomas R
TR
Morgan
Ulf
U
Balldin
Joseph R
JR
Fischer
D000328:Adult; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D002498:Centrifugation; D005260:Female; D005676:Gravity Suits; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010807:Physical Endurance; D011481:Protective Clothing; D014785:Vision, Ocular; D055815:Young Adult