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The Canadian Forces Airsickness Rehabilitation Program, 1981-1991
R D Banks1, D A Salisbury, P J Ceresia
1Base Hospital, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Desensitization therapy effectively treats airsickness in student pilots when other methods fail. The Canadian Forces program achieved a 77% success rate, comparable to other military aviation programs.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Medicine
- Occupational Health
- Pilot Training
Background:
- Airsickness presents a significant challenge in student pilot training.
- Conventional therapies are often insufficient for severe cases.
- Desensitization therapy offers a potential solution for refractory airsickness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a desensitization therapy program for airsickness in Canadian Forces student pilots.
- To compare the program's success rate with those of the Royal Air Force (RAF) and United States Air Force (USAF).
Main Methods:
- The Canadian Forces implemented a three-phase desensitization program starting in 1981.
- Phases included biofeedback relaxation, ground-based desensitization, and in-flight desensitization.
- Treatment outcomes were assessed using the RAF's definition of cure.
Main Results:
- Between 1981 and 1991, 22 student pilots underwent the rehabilitation program.
- 17 pilots (77% success rate) were successfully treated for airsickness.
- This success rate is comparable to established RAF and USAF programs.
Conclusions:
- Desensitization therapy is a validated and effective clinical intervention for managing airsickness in aviation personnel.
- The Canadian Forces program demonstrates the successful application of desensitization protocols in a military training context.