ARM PAIN AMONG SWEDISH FIGHTER PILOTS DURING HIGH +GZ FLIGHT AND CENTRIFUGE EXPOSURES

Background: The purpose was to survey the occurrence of arm pain among Swedish fighter or test pilots in connection with exposures to high Gz load when flying or performing centrifuge tests. Hypothesis: +Gz in duced arm pain occurs in connection with high +Gz loads in flight as w ell as in centrifuge tests of high performance fighter pilots. Methods : A questionnaire was used for data collection regarding +Gz induced a rm pain. Respondents were 35 Swedish Air Force Viggen and Gripen fight er pilots who had previously participated as subjects in centrifuge te sts between 1990 and 1995 at Brooks Air Force Base, TX, either with th e standard anti-C suit or with extended coverage anti-C suit with pres sure breathing during +Gz. Results: Of the respondents, 55% reported t hat they had experienced arm pain during flight at least once and 42% experienced it more than three times. However, arm pain was more commo n in the centrifuge tests (82% once; and 42% more than 3 limes). Concl usions: Presence of arm pain during high performance fighter aircraft flights is a phenomenon that should be taken into consideration when d esigning high performance aircraft or +Gz protective equipment.