Aviat Space Envir Md
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Aviat Space Envir Md · Jul 2004
Flight-training effect on the cervical muscle isometric strength of trainee pilots.
External stimulus/loading initiates adaptations within skeletal muscle. It has been previously found that the cervical area has the highest loading while performing flying maneuvers under +Gz. The first purpose of this study was to examine the neck muscle response to the physical environment associated with flight training, incorporating limited exposure to +Gz force, in a Pilatus PC-9 aircraft. ⋯ No strength changes were recorded in any other site in the pilots or for the controls. These findings suggest that short-term exposure to the physical environment associated with flight training had a limited significant effect on increasing isometric cervical muscle strength. No significant changes were observed in pilot ROM, indicating that short-term exposure to flight does not effect ROM.
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Calcium balances, regulated by the calcium endocrine system, are negative during spaceflight but have not been reported in flight simulation models using fully mature small animals. ⋯ After adaptation, Ca balances were more negative in mature male rats with unloaded hindlimbs than controls, an effect from increased secretion and loss of endogenous fecal Ca associated with increased 1,25-D in Ca-replete and Ca-restricted rats.
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Aviat Space Envir Md · May 2004
Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialMelatonin and zopiclone as facilitators of early circadian sleep in operational air transport crews.
This study was an extension into an operational setting of previous laboratory work investigating the use of zopiclone and melatonin to facilitate early circadian sleep in transport aircrew. The previous laboratory-based study demonstrated that both melatonin and zopiclone were effective in inducing early circadian sleep without impacting on psychomotor performance after a 7-h sleep period. ⋯ Melatonin and zopiclone, in the dosages we used, are equipotent facilitators of early circadian sleep during transmeridian air transport operations.
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Aviat Space Envir Md · May 2004
Aeromedical regulation of aviators using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for depressive disorders.
This report, prepared at the request of the Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA), reviews the present status of aeromedical regulation of depressive disorders and antidepressant medications, emphasizing the role of serotonin specific reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Aeromedical certifying authorities (CAs) generally prohibit pilots from flying with a diagnosed depressive disorder, and also prohibit flying while taking antidepressant medications, including SSRIs. Some CAs are reassessing these prohibitions, which are based on long aeromedical practices, in view of changing medical management of depressive disorders. ⋯ AsMA urges all certificatory and regulatory authorities to consider immediately instituting a policy of using study groups to manage depressed aviators who require SSRI antidepressants. Protocols designed to aggressively manage the full spectrum of adverse possibilities related to SSRI use may enable the safe use of SSRIs in formerly depressed aviators who suffer no aeromedically significant side effects. In these closely managed cases of depressive disorders, special issuances or waivers for SSRI use are justified.
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Aviat Space Envir Md · Mar 2004
Sonographic detection of pneumothorax and hemothorax in microgravity.
An intrathoracic injury may be disastrous to a crew-member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) if the diagnosis is missed or delayed. Symptomatic or clinically suspicious thoracic trauma is treated as a surgical emergency on Earth, usually with immediate stabilization and rapid transport to a facility that is able to deliver the appropriate medical care. A similar approach is planned for the ISS; however, an unnecessary evacuation would cause a significant mission impact and an exorbitant expense. ⋯ Modest to severe pneumothorax and hemothorax can be diagnosed using ultrasound in microgravity.