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The effect of G-LOC on psychomotor performance and behavior
1ACME Labs, Air Vehicle and Crew Systems Technology Department, Naval Air Warfare Center-Aircraft Division, Warminster, PA 18974-5000.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|February 1, 1993
Summary
This study investigated acceleration (+Gz) induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC) and its impact on pilot performance. Findings indicate that while cognitive and motor tasks were impaired immediately post-G-LOC, full recovery was observed within an hour.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Medicine
- Human Factors Engineering
- Physiology
Background:
- Acceleration (+Gz) poses a significant risk in aviation, potentially leading to G-induced Loss of Consciousness (G-LOC).
- Understanding the impact of G-LOC on pilot cognitive and motor performance is critical for flight safety and training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of G-LOC on psychomotor performance in male volunteers.
- To assess the duration of incapacitation and the time required for performance recovery after G-LOC.
Main Methods:
- Seven male volunteers were exposed to simulated aerial combat environment simulations (ACES) with +Gz profiles up to +12 Gz using a human centrifuge.
- Psychomotor performance tasks, including responding to signals, entering control codes, and matching aircraft parameters, were administered before, immediately after, and 20-40 minutes post-G-LOC.
Main Results:
- Incapacitation periods (absolute, relative, and total) were found to be shorter than previously reported.
- Task execution times were generally longer after G-LOC compared to pre-G-LOC conditions.
- Psychomotor performance recovery was observed around 60 seconds post-G-LOC, with no decrements noted at 20-40 minutes after recovery.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests that recovery from G-LOC and associated psychomotor impairments can occur relatively quickly.
- Performance decrements were temporary, with subjects performing normally on tasks assigned 20-40 minutes post-G-LOC.
- These findings have implications for G-LOC training protocols and understanding pilot recovery capabilities in high-G environments.