The Effect of Menstrual Phase and Oral Contraceptives on Female Adaptation and Performance at High G.
Abstract
Females are now flying combat aircraft in the Air Force. Questions Of gender differences regarding adaptation and performance)in the high environment (9G) must be studied Scientifically. The Dynamic Environment Simulator, a three- axis centrifuge with closed-loop flight simulation, provides the laboratory to investigate the issues. Results. The eight women in this high-G performance study did not show cardiovascular adaptation to high whereas the eight men did. Both genders showed increased leg calf compliance indicating possible chronic vascular effects. No echocardiographic graphic evidence of heart damage was found The women demonstrated half the strength of the men, but displayed similar G tolerance and endurance. The women showed less oxygen desaturation of brain tissue than the men during high exposure. The women did not perform the simulated air-to-air combat sortie quite as well as the men, though there was no effect of menstrual cycle on their ability to complete the mission There was no effect of high exposure on the length Or the female monthly cycle, regardless of oral contraceptive use. Conclusion. Women demonstrated acceptable tolerance to and performance during simulated high aerial combat, without menstrual effect, even in light of their reduced muscular strength and cardiovascular adaptation as compared to men.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA337400
Entities
People
- Tamara Chelette
Organizations
- Armstrong Laboratory