Approach of push-pull effect protection training on centrifuge by performing HP maneuver

Objective To constitute the approach of push-pull effect (PPE) protection training by using HP maneuver on centrifuge.Methods By referencing the push-pull maneuver (PPM) parameters recorded from the aerial combat maneuvers,a 3-day centrifuge PPE protection training program was constituted for 6 pilots.On the 1st day,adopting preprogrammed acceleration profiles whose peak +Gz level was 3,5,6 and 7 G respectively with the onset and offset rate of 3 G/s,pilots underwent HP maneuver training with anti-G suit.On the 2nd day,PPE protection training was carried out by performing HP maneuver through exposures to preprogrammed PPM profiles composed of +3,+5,+6,and +7 Gz for 10 s respectively at the onset rate of 2 G/s and offset rate of 1 G/s with preceded-1 Gz for 5 s.During-Gz exposure,pilots adopted the breathing manner of HP maneuver,and initiated sufficient HP maneuver when transiting from-Gz to +Gz.On the 3rd day,close-loop controlled training was conducted during +3,+5 and +8 Gz by performing HP and PHP maneuver.Changes of +Gz tolerance,HR,breathing rate (BR),and muscular force of legs (Flegs) during the training were observed and analyzed.Results On the 1st day,all 6 pilots accomplished + 7 Gz for 10 s,but 1 pilot who had lumber intervertebral disc protrusion retreated from the following training.On the 2nd day,5 pilots went through PPE protection training,passing through PPM of -1 Gz to +3,+5,+6,+7 Gz for 10 s respectively.They fulfilled +8 Gz for 10 s training on the 3rd day.During +Gz exposures,Flegs increased significantly as comparecl with that of the antecedent +Gz exposure level (F=127.047-322.488,P＜0.01).HR and BR were significantly higher than those at +1 Gz(P＜0.01).No significant difference was found in Flegs,HR or BR as compared with those at the same +Gz level among different training days.During-1 Gz exposures,HR and BR were raised significantly as compared with those at + 1 Gz (P＜0.01).Pilots reported that PPE protection training greatly boosted their ability and confidence in PPE counteraction.Conclusions The approach of PPE protection training on centrifuge could protect pilots against PPE effectively,and it could enhance the anti-PPE capability. Key words: Acceleration;  Gravity, altered;  Methods;  Anti-G maneuver;  Push-pull effect; Centrifuge training