Aviat Space Envir Md
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Aviat Space Envir Md · Oct 2012
Commercial spaceflight participant G-force tolerance during centrifuge-simulated suborbital flight.
Medical knowledge of the human body in microgravity and hypergravity is based upon studies of healthy individuals well-conditioned for such environments. Little data exist regarding the effects of spaceflight on untrained commercial passengers. We examined the responses of potential spaceflight participants (SFP) to centrifuge G-force exposure. ⋯ The results suggest that most individuals with well-controlled medical conditions can withstand acceleration forces involved in launch/landing profiles of commercial spaceflight vehicles. Further investigation will help refine which conditions present significant risk during suborbital flight and beyond.
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Aviat Space Envir Md · Oct 2012
ReviewThe influence of nontraditional training modalities on physical performance: review of the literature.
The primary purpose of this effort was to review several forms of nontraditional (NT) training programs, including heavy lower extremity strength training, CrossFit training, kettlebell training, and agility training, and discuss the effects of these exercise regimens on physical performance. The secondary purpose was to evaluate NT fitness training programs for evidence that they may provide beneficial options to help airmen improve their fitness scores. A search of the literature for 1980-2010 was performed using the Franzello Aeromedical Library, Public Medicine, and Air Force Institute of Technology search engines. ⋯ Heavy leg strength training and agility training show promise in enhancing aerobic fitness and improving fitness scores, particularly among members who have difficulty passing a physical fitness test. Most of the nontraditional forms of physical training are not supported in the scientific literature, with the exception of heavy leg strength training and agility training. However, even these NT forms of training require further investigation.
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Aviat Space Envir Md · Sep 2012
Pilot expertise and hippocampal size: associations with longitudinal flight simulator performance.
Previous research suggests that the size of the hippocampus can vary in response to intensive training (e.g., during the acquisition of expert knowledge). However, the role of the hippocampus in maintenance of skilled performance is not well understood. The Stanford/Veterans Affairs Aviation MRI Study offers a unique opportunity to observe the interaction of brain structure and multiple levels of expertise on longitudinal flight simulator performance. ⋯ These results are consistent with the notion that expertise in a cognitively demanding domain involves the interplay of acquired knowledge ('mental schemas') and basic hippocampal-dependent processes.
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Aviat Space Envir Md · Aug 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialInfluence of posture on the regulation of cerebral perfusion.
Posture has a major influence on cerebral blood flow (CBF). Unlike head-up tilt (HUT), less is known about how CBF is regulated during head-down tilt (HDT). We hypothesized that CBF would be elevated during HDT and decreased during HUT. ⋯ Despite marked changes in perfusion pressure with HUT or HDT, our findings indicate that cerebral perfusion is well maintained during acute severe changes in posture.
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Currently, there are a number of pharmaceuticals available that have potential to enhance cognitive functioning, some of which may ultimately be considered for such use in military operations. Some drugs with potential for cognition enhancement have already been studied for use in military operations specific to their primary effect in sleep regulation (i.e., dextroamphetamine, modafinil, caffeine). There is considerable information available on many of these drugs. However, considerations for military appropriateness must be based on proficient research (e.g., randomly controlled trial design). ⋯ While the results of this study support the efficacy of modafinil, the main finding is the large literature gap evaluating the short- and long-term effects of these drugs in healthy adults.