Authors: Scott, Jessica M.; Esch, Ben T.A.; Goodman, Len S.; Bredin, Shannon S.D.; Haykowsky, Mark J.; Warburton, Darren E.R.

Source: Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, Volume 32, Number 2, April 2007 , pp. 332-339(8)

Publisher: NRC Research Press

Abstract:

The gravitational stress encountered by pilots of high-performance aircraft can cause dramatic shifts in blood volume and circulatory pressure, thus placing the cardiovascular system under significant stress, sometimes resulting in loss of consciousness due to cerebral under-perfusion. Since pilots experience both increased and decreased gravitational stress in high-risk environments, it is important not only to examine the cardiovascular effects of altered gravitational exposure, but also to create effective countermeasures that will increase pilot safety. In this review, we discuss the cardiovascular consequences of rapid changes in gravitational forces. We also examine the effectiveness of the countermeasures that have been developed to combat gravity-induced loss of consciousness. Finally, we examine those current laboratory-based techniques that simulate hyper-gravity and the “push-pull effect,” making it possible to investigate the cardiovascular mechanisms responsible for maintaining cerebral perfusion and consciousness.

Le stress gravitationnel vécu par les pilotes d'aéronefs à haute performance peut causer des changements majeurs de volume sanguin et de pression sanguine suscitant alors un stress cardiovasculaire substantiel suivi parfois d'une perte de conscience due à un défaut d'irrigation cérébrale. Comme les pilotes vivent des stress gravitationnels accrus ou réduits dans des conditions de grand risque, il importe d'étudier l'effet de la modification du stress gravitationnel, mais il faut aussi fournir aux pilotes des mesures efficaces afin d'accroître leur sécurité. Dans cet article-synthèse, nous analysons les conséquences cardiovasculaires de variations brusques des forces gravitationnelles. Nous étudions aussi l'efficacité des mesures qui ont été développées pour empêcher la perte de conscience due aux forces gravitationnelles. Finalement, nous analysons les techniques actuelles de laboratoire qui simulent l'hypergravité et « l'effet du pousser-tirer » et qui rendent ainsi possible l'étude des mécanismes cardiovasculaires responsables du maintien de l'irrigation cérébrale et de la conscience.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2007-04-01

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• This bimonthly journal has a 30-year history of publishing, first as the Canadian Journal of Sport Sciences, and later as the Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology. It publishes original research articles, reviews, and commentaries, focussing on the application of physiology, nutrition, and metabolism to the study of human health, physical activity, and fitness. The published research, reviews, and symposia will be of interest to exercise physiologists, physical fitness and exercise rehabilitation specialists, public health and health care professionals, as well as basic and applied physiologists, nutritionists, and biochemists.
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