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+Gz ACCELERATION LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS: TIME COURSE OF PERFORMANCE DEFICITS WITH REPEATED EXPERIENCE

TRIPP, LLOYD DALE, Jr.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1089841115

Abstract Details

2004, MA, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences : Psychology.
Pilots of modern fighter aircraft encounter episodes of gravity-induced loss of consciousness (GLOC) consisting of complete unconsciousness and subsequent confusion. According to Whinnery, Burton, Boll, and Eddy (1987), pilots are totally incapacitated for 24 sec during such episodes. Current solutions to eliminate the GLOC hazard, including breathing and straining routines, anti-gravity pressure suits (G-suits), and reclined seatback angles, have proven not to be completely effective (Burton, Cohen, & Guedry, 1988; Tripp, 1990). It is conceivable, however, that with experience, pilots can learn to overcome the confusion and disorientation associated with GLOC and thereby, shorten the incapacitation time. Fourteen active duty members of the USAF (five women and nine men) participated in the study, conducted at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s centrifuge facilities at Brooks and Wright Patterson Air Force Bases. Rapid G-onset rates of +3Gz/sec were used to induce GLOC in the participants on each of four testing days spaced one week apart. On each day, participants performed a compensatory-tracking task and a serial addition-subtraction math task concurrently for 5 min in a stationary centrifuge to provide baseline performance indices. They were also required to perform these tasks concurrently for as long as possible during +G-exposure and for 5 min following recovery from unconsciousness. The principal investigator and a flight surgeon, using real-time video images of participants and a protocol established by Whinnery et al. (1987), determined participants’ entry and exit from GLOC. This study confirms the duration of total incapacitation described by Whinnery et al. (1987). It also indicates that the GLOC problem is more serious than they envisioned. Performance efficiency deteriorates from 3.20 to 7.44 sec prior to the onset of unconsciousness and does not return to baseline levels until 55.5 sec after the confusion phase has ended. Thus, at speeds of 500 mph typical of modern fighters, pilots can travel 12.1 miles while not in control of their aircraft. These effects do not appear to be reduced by repeated encounters with GLOC.
Dr. Joel Warm (Advisor)
70 p.
Psychology, Experimental

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Citations

  • TRIPP, Jr., L. D. (2004). +Gz ACCELERATION LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS: TIME COURSE OF PERFORMANCE DEFICITS WITH REPEATED EXPERIENCE [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1089841115

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • TRIPP, Jr., LLOYD. +Gz ACCELERATION LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS: TIME COURSE OF PERFORMANCE DEFICITS WITH REPEATED EXPERIENCE. 2004. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1089841115.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • TRIPP, Jr., LLOYD. "+Gz ACCELERATION LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS: TIME COURSE OF PERFORMANCE DEFICITS WITH REPEATED EXPERIENCE." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2004. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1089841115

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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