The protection against +Gz afforded by pressure breathing with different pressure schedules.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: System of pressure breathing for +Gz (PBG) has been incorporated into service in the high performance fighter aircraft, but there were significant differences among PBG pressure schedules used in different countries. The purpose of this study was to define an optimal pressure schedule in PBG system. METHOD: Five male subjects wearing GZ-2 anti-G suit and medium-sized bladder vest, plus PBG with 1.6, 2.4, and 3.2 kPa/G pressure schedules, respectively, were exposed to rapid onset (3.0 G/s) centrifuge +Gz runs. +Gz protection of PBG with each of the three pressure schedules were measured and the subjective ratings were collected. RESULT: The +Gz protection afforded by PBG with 1.60, 2.40, and 3.20 kPa/G pressure schedules were 2.00 +/- 0.31, 2.54 +/- 0.32, and 2.44 +/- 0.31 G, respectively. Subjective ratings showed that the PBG with 2.40 kPa/G pressure schedule was better than the other two. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that a PBG pressure schedule of 2.4 kPa/G in PBG system is optimal. It not only assures the anti-G performance of PBG, but also reduces its side effects.