Decompression Sickness and U-2 Operations: Summary of Research, Findings, and Recommendations Regarding Use of Exercise During Prebreathe

Abstract

This report is designed to review the incorporation of methods and procedures for reducing the incidence of decompression sickness (DCS) during U-2 high altitude reconnaissance missions. Exercise During Prebreathe (EDP) during procedures used for some pilots preparing for U-2 high altitude operations is reviewed in detail. The published basis for enhancing prebreathe effectiveness with exercise is summarized along with an operational test with one U-2 pilot and survey results from 2 pilots. Successful incorporation of EDP on the International Space Station prior to extravehicular activity (EVA; space walks) is also reviewed. Procedures for its incorporation and variants in exercise equipment are summarized and equations for calculating individualized exercise parameters are shown. Included are summaries of peer-reviewed publications supporting this information and personal remarks about prebreathe procedures with EDP by National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) Mission Specialists.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA518839

Entities

People

  • Andrew D. Woodrow
  • James T. Webb
  • Ryan W. Maresh

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircrafts
  • Altitude
  • Decompression
  • Decompression Sickness
  • Extravehicular Activity
  • Flight
  • Governments
  • Health Services
  • High Altitude
  • Medical Personnel
  • Pressure Suits
  • Space Stations
  • Students
  • Test And Evaluation

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Underwater engineering and Marine Technology.

Technology Areas

  • Space