EFFECT OF G-SUIT TYPE ON COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE

Background: Sustained acceleration protection ensembles are being deve loped to help pilots of high performance aircraft endure high G exposu res for longer periods of time. It has been assumed that better G endu rance confers better pilot task performance. This premise was studied on the Armstrong Laboratory Dynamic Environment Simulator centrifuge. Method: Human subjects repeatedly endured prolonged high-C simulated a erial combat on a centrifuge to the point of loss of vision or physica l exhaustion. Some profiles included over 20 exposures to +9 Gz. While enduring the G exposures, subjects tracked a simulated ''bogey'' airc raft on a visual display and performed a secondary task. Measures of c ognitive function and physiologic status were taken throughout the exp osures. G protection ensembles included the standard CSU 13 B/P anti-G suit, the Advanced Technology Anti-G Suit (ATAGS), COMBAT EDGE positi ve pressure breathing system with the CSU 13 B/P, COMBAT EDGE with ATA GS, and the Northrop Advanced Protection System (APS). Results: More a dvanced protective systems not only allow longer G endurance, but prov ide adequate support for maintained cognitive performance throughout t he extended exposure. Although measures were affected by the type of p rotective system the subject was wearing, as well as individual abilit y and coping strategies, consistent target tracking task performance, rapid choice reaction time, and sufficient arterial oxygen saturation were maintained throughout extended exposures to a point preceding ter mination by only a second or two. Conclusions: Those anti-G protection ensembles that cover and protect the body and which employ positive p ressure breathing allow longer high G exposures which provide support for maintained cognitive performance.