Heat Stress Effects With Two USAF G-Protection Systems
Abstract
The USAF's Combined Advanced Technology Enhanced Design U-Ensemble (COMBAT EDGE-CE) uses positive pressure breathing (PPB) to enhance acceleration tolerance. A counter-pressure vest is worn to balance intra-thoracic pressure during PPB. Airerew have reported an increased thermal burden with wear of the CE vest. Thus, this study was designed to compare the heat load of wearing the USAF's standard anti-U system (STD) to that of CE, and to determine if the heat stress had any adverse effect on U-tolerance. Results: Mean weight loss was 1.10+/-0.24kg with CE and 1.08+/-0.28kg with STD (no significant difference). Maximal rectal temperature was the same for CE and STD (38.1+/-0.4 0C). Maximal attained relaxed, gradual onset +Uz tolerances after heat stress were 7.1+/-1.3 for CE and 6.3+/-0.9 for STD (p<O.O1). Conclusions: Following heat stress, no significant differences were found between CE and STD with regard to core and skin temperature, or dehydration level. However, use of CE did produce a significantly higher relaxed, gradual onset U-tolerance both before and after heat stress.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA397630
Entities
People
- Paul M. Werchan
- Peter Demitry
- Robert B. O'connor
- Ulf I. Balldin
- Wayne M. Isdahl