Heat Stress Effects With Two USAF G-Protection Systems

摘要

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