Preinflation before acceleration on tolerance to simulated Space Shuttle reentry G profiles in dehydrated subjects.

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine if preinflation of a standard five-bladder anti-g suit 10 minutes before exposure to a centrifuge simulation of a Space Shuttle reentry would provide significantly better protection against orthostasis than the standard symptomatic inflation regimen. This study differed significantly from prior studies The rate of g onset was slower, peak g was lower, duration of exposure was longer, and the subjects were dehydrated to mimic conditions observed in astronauts immediately postflight. Preinflation demonstrated physiological advantages as determined by arterial blood pressure and heart rate changes in seven healthy male, experienced centrifuge subjects.