MALE FEMALE SACM ENDURANCE COMPARISON - SUPPORT FOR THE ARMSTRONG LABORATORY MODIFICATIONS TO THE CSU-13B/P ANTI-G SUIT/

Background: The standard anti-G suit (CSU-13B/P) was designed based on male body structure. Females differ from males with respect to body p roportionality. In Armstrong Laboratory (AL) studies, females have ter minated centrifuge simulated air combat maneuvers (SACM) because of an ti-G suit (CSU-13B/P modified according to original T.O. 14P3-6-121)(O TO) discomfort. AL modifications to the suit have since been adopted i n the OTO in an attempt to provide females a best-fit suit (AL Mod). T he study examined male/female SACM endurance with females wearing both the OTO and the AL Mod suits. Methods: There were 6 females and 8 mal es who performed a +5.0 to +9.0 Gz SACM to fatigue using the anti-G st raining maneuver with anti-G suit inflation. The females performed in both the OTO and AL Mod suits while the males performed in the OTO sui t only (OTO was their best-fit suit). Results: Wearing the OTO, males performed the SACM significantly longer than the females, three of who m reported severe suit discomfort. However, when the females wore the AL Mod suit, their SACM endurance almost doubled over their OTO perfor mance and none reported suit discomfort. When wearing their best-fit s uits, there was no significant gender difference in SACM endurance. Co nclusions: These data support the efficacy of the AL modifications to the CSU-13B/P anti-G suit through greatly improved performance during the +5.0 to +9.0 SACM in females. These data also suggest that, in the small sample examined, when fitted with a best-fit anti-G suit, femal es can endure the +5.0 to +9.0 SACM to the same degree as males.