Aviat Space Envir Md
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Aviat Space Envir Md · Apr 2010
ReviewExpansion of postoperative pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum: determining when it is safe to fly.
The possibility of expansion of pneumothorax (PTX) and/or pneumomediastinum (PMED) during commercial flights makes air travel after thoracic surgery particularly worrisome. Guidelines from the Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) suggest delaying air travel 2 to 3 wk following uncomplicated thoracic surgery and 1 wk following radiographic resolution of PTX; they also state that PTX is an "absolute contraindication" to air travel. However, both AsMA guidelines and thoracic surgeons' recommendations for postoperative air travel require further examination. ⋯ A wide variability exists among thoracic surgeons regarding their recommendations for air travel by patients with postoperative PTX and/or PMED. Both AsMA guidelines and surgeons' recommendations should rely more on scientific evidence. Studies of PTX and PMED expansion during simulated flight are needed to develop better guidelines.
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Aviat Space Envir Md · Apr 2010
Normoxic and hypoxic performance following 4 weeks of normobaric hypoxic training.
Although training in hypoxia has been suggested to improve sea level and altitude performance, most studies have only evaluated its effect on maximal aerobic capacity in either normoxia or hypoxia. The present study evaluated the effect of a live low-train high training regimen on both normoxic and hypoxic endurance performance and aerobic capacity. ⋯ The hypoxic training regimen used in the present study had no significant effect on altitude and sea level performance.