Anti-G suit inflation effects during low-intensity -/+ Gz maneuvers

grantor: University of Toronto'Purpose'. It was hypothesized that early initiation of G-suit inflation with increased pressure and rate would offer greater protection against the hypotensive response ("push-pull effect", PPE) resulting from -/+Gz transitions ("push-pull effect maneuver", PPEM) versus the existing inflation schedule. 'Methods'. Using a tilt table, subjects were rapidly tilted from HUT1 (15° from vertical; +1 Gz) to HDT (135°; -0.71 Gz for 15 secs) to HUT2 (15°, for 45 secs). Physiological measurements for 1 unprotected and 4 protection schedules were analyzed. 'Results'. All G-suit schedules maintained blood pressure suggesting inflation is an adequate protective measure during low-intensity PPEMs. Few statistically significant differences were observed between the protection schedules. 'Conclusions'. (1) G-suit inflation ameliorated the hypotensive response to the PPEM, (2) Results were not conclusive as to whether inflations of certain timing or pressure will further ameliorate this hypotensive response. An increased G-envelope and operationally proper inflation pressures are recommended for future investigations.M.Sc