Psycho-physiological assessment of acceleration-induced changes in various seat configurations

Ten subjects were exposed to high-G on the human centrifuge using seatback angles of 13 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, and 75 degrees from the vertical, and body configurations of the lower portion of the body with pelvis and legs elevated, pelvis, elevated, and pelvis elevated with knees on chest (fetal position). Tolerance was measured by peripheral light loss. Mental status, respirations, core and ambient temperatures, and ECG were monitored. Daily physio-chemical data included: creatinine, bilirubin, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, uric acid, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, BUN, glucose, LDH cardiac isoenzyme No. 5, SGOT, SGPT, CPK, CBC, and urinalysis. Tiredness, pressure on the chest, and general discomfort in the fetal position were reported. Physical examination demonstrated petechiae. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature increased post-session. There was a significant rise in values for albumin, chloride ion, creatinine, calcium, LDH, BUN, and immature white cells; and a decrease in values for phosphorus, SGOT, SGPT, protein, uric acid CO2, globulin, hematocrit, monocytes, and eosinophils.