Biofeedback rehabilitation of airsick aircrew

The biofeedback treatment of 20 aircrew, disabled by chronic severe airsickness, is reported. The USAF School of Aerospace Medicine (SAM) Airsick Rehabilitation Program requires careful selection to insure high motivation and thorough medical screening to rule out intercurrent medically disqualifying conditions. Patients are trained in relaxation techniques and placed in a modified Barany chair, capable of tilting as well as rotating. Psychological responses to motion stimulation are constantly monitored by both patient and investigators. Motion sickness is provoked, which the patient learns to control and abort through exercising autonomic control. Of 19 eligible, 16 have been returned to fully flying duties.